Washington – Exercise Yudh Abhyas – 2017, a joint military exercise between Indian and US armies, commenced at Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington, US September 16 with a brief and impressive opening ceremony.     

The US contingent was represented by Company of 5th Infantry Battalion from 20 Infantry Regiment of the US Army while the Indian side was represented by soldiers of Gorkha Rifles from the Surya Command.  

Major General Willard M Burlesan, GOC 7th Infantry Division, US Army welcomed the Indian soldiers. In inaugural remarks, he highlighted the common shared beliefs of democracy, freedom, equality and justice that are precious to both the nations.
During the two week long exercise soldiers from both countries will hone their tactical skills in counter insurgency and counter terrorist operations under a joint brigade headquarter. 

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.  Experts from both sides will hold detailed discussions to share their experience and expertise on varied operational topics. Exercise Yudh Abhyas is one of the largest joint running military training and defence corporation endeavours between India and US. 

The exercise held from Sep 14-27 is the 13th edition of the joint exercise hosted alternately between the two countries. Last year exercise Yudh Abhyas was held at Chaubattia Military Station, Ranikhet, .Uttarakhand.