First India-US tri-services exercise to be held in 2019

The first India-United States tri-services exercise is likely to take place in 2019 in India. It will include all services of both countries and talks are on to include special forces. US will second country after Russia with whom India conducts tri-services exercise.

Key Facts

The Indo-US joint tri-services drill was formally announced after first 2+2 dialogue between principals of External Affairs and Defence Ministries of two countries which was held in New Delhi in September 2018. The drill will focus on United Nations-based scenario and overarching mission of humanitarian assistance, disaster relief measure. It will be also in line with India’s ambition of being natural humanitarian disaster relief hub in the Indo-Pacific region.

Background

The three forces of India and US already take part in multiple bilateral exercises separately. Moreover, armies of both countries are also participating in annual drill called Yudh Abyaas, whose latest edition took place in September 2018, and Air Forces take part in bilateral drill called Cope India. Navies of both countries also participate in exercise called Malabar which also involves Japan. But this will be first time, three services of India and US will participate in drill together. Indian Army has Para SF, Navy has Marcos while Air Force has Garud as their respective special forces.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2018