<p><strong>Syllabus section: internal security</strong></p>
<p><strong>Why in news?</strong><br />
The 16th edition of ‘Yudh Abhyas’, India-US joint military exercise has begun in Rajasthan. The drill has come days after the air forces of France and India held a 5-day joint exercise in Rajasthan in January 2021.</p>
<p><strong>Objective:</strong><br />
The joint military exercise near the India-Pakistan border aims at enhancing the interoperability and cooperation between the two armies. It will also be focusing on counter-terrorism operations under the United Nations mandate.</p>
<p><strong>Importance:</strong><br />
• The exercise with the United States Army is significant in terms of the security challenges that are faced by both India and the US in the backdrop of global terrorism.<br />
• It will enhance the level of defence cooperation between the armies which will foster bilateral relations between both countries.<br />
• The military exercise will also reiterate India’s role as a key partner in the Indo-Pacific region.<br />
• The exercise at this time will also be significant in the backdrop of recent developments on the Northern borders.<br />
• The military exercise between two powerful nations will convey their strategic postures as well as an enhanced upward trajectory in India-US relations.</p>
<p><strong>Source: PIB</strong><br />
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