Exercise Yudh Abhyas commences

Exercise Yudh Abhyas - 2017, a joint military exercise between Indian and US armies, commenced on Sunday at Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington, USA with a brief yet impressive opening ceremony that saw the unfurling of the national flags of both countries to the strains of “The Star Spangled Banner” and “Jana Gana Mana .... ”. US and Indian soldiers stood side by side, and gave a ceremonial salute to the two senior most officers of the US and Indian side reviewing the ceremony. The US contingent was represented by a Company of 5th Infantry Battalion from 20 Infantry Regiment of the US Army while the Indian side was represented by 2nd Battalion, 11 Gorkha Rifles from the Surya Command. Major General Willard M Burleson, General Officer Commanding, 7 Infantry Division, US Army welcomed the Indian soldiers, and in his inaugural remarks highlighted the common shared beliefs of democracy, freedom, equality and justice that are precious to both the nations. Company strength army personnel from India and an equal number of US soldiers are taking part in the two-week long event that will see them hone their tactical and technical skills in counter insurgency and counter terrorist operations under a UN mandate and under a joint brigade headquarter. Due emphasis will be laid on increasing inter-operability between forces from both countries which is crucial for success of any joint operation. Both sides will jointly train, plan and execute a series of well-developed tactical drills for neutralization of likely threats that may be encountered in UN peace keeping operations.