Indian and US forces are undertaking the battalion-level "Yudh Abhyas" exercise from November 15 to December 2 in Auli in Uttarakhand, just 100 km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The "Quad" member nations undertook the Malabar exercise off the Japanese island of Yokosuka between November 8 and November 18. The 'Quad' included the US, Japan, Australia and India.
Earlier in 2022, the Quad had declared that it would "deter" any "coercion" in the Indo-Pacific with an eye on China's expansionist policies. "Yudh Abhyas" will include "high-altitude warfare drills", the report added.
The military exercise is expected to involve 350 soldiers from each nation. Yudh Abhyas involves employment of integrated battle groups in mountains and extreme cold climate, along with heliborne elements and an integrated surveillance grid," an official quoted.
At Bakloh in Himachal Pradesh, the "Vajra Prahar" exercise between US and Indian military was completed in August. The two nations' Special Forces were involved. These units carry out clandestine, specialised activities, such as counter-terrorism.
China was described as the US's "only competitor with both intent and capability to reshape the international order" in the National Security Strategy (NSS) of the US published in early October. It added that US and India will work together to "support our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific".
India will also conduct the "Austra-Hind" infantry combat exercise at the Mahajan range in Rajasthan between November 28 and December 11. Recently, the two countries concluded the "Pitch Black" air combat exercise at Darwin. The "Agni Warrior" exercise will also be held in India and Singapore at Deolali in Maharashtra from November 13 to 30.
