India-US Joint Military Exercise ‘Yudh Abhyas-24’ Concludes in Rajasthan

GG News Bureau
Jaipur, 21st Sept. The joint military exercise between the armies of India and the US, ‘Yudh Abhyas-24,’ concluded on Saturday at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan, following a formal closing ceremony. This 20th edition of the bilateral drills focused on counterterrorism operations in semi-urban and semi-desert terrains under the United Nations mandate, according to officials.

The exercise emphasized physical fitness, tactical drills, and the exchange of best practices between the two armies. It showcased operational synergy during the closing ceremony, said a defence spokesperson. The Indian contingent was represented by the Infantry Brigade Headquarters and a battalion group from the Rajput Regiment, while the US was represented by the 1-24 Infantry Battalion and elements of the 11th Airborne Division from Alaska.

Over 1,200 personnel from both countries participated in the exercise, braving the challenging terrain and climate of the Thar Desert. The drills were conducted in two phases—combat conditioning and tactical training in the first, followed by a validation stage in the second, where joint operations were executed.

Key operations included establishing observation posts, road-opening drills, cordon-and-search operations, and house-clearing drills. Airborne and heliborne operations were also carried out using C-130, ALH, and Mi-17 platforms. A live firing exercise demonstrated the precision and effectiveness of long-range artillery systems, including PINAKA, HIMARS, and M-777.

Major General N S Jakhar of the Indian Army and Major General Joe Hilbert of the US Army addressed the troops at the closing ceremony. The event concluded with a display of weapons and equipment, showcasing indigenously manufactured systems under India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.