American soldiers reach Rajasthan for joint Indo-US military exercise on Pak border: Def official

A contingent American soldiers has reached Rajasthan to take part in a fortnight-long Indo-US joint military exercise along Pakistan border, starting Monday, a defence official said.

contingent of 270 US soldiers reached Suratgarh in a special aircraft and left for Mahajan Field Firing Range where joint ''war exercise'' will start on February, Defence spokesperson Lt Col Amitabh Sharma said on Saturday.

This will be 16th edition of US military exercise under military exchange program at Mahajan Field Firing Range, he said, ding exercise will continue till February 21.

Indian soldiers taking part in exercise belong to 11th Battalion of Sapt Shakti Command of Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, Lt Col Sharma said.

American soldiers taking part in exercise belong to US Army’s 2, Infantry Battalions, 3, Infantry Regiments and 1-2 Striker Brige Combat Team, he ded.

On reaching Suratgarh, Indian Army gave a warm welcome to US Army contingent and commanders and soldiers of troops of two countries greeted each or, Lt Col said.

In his statement, Lt Col Sharma said it is one of largest military training and defence cooperation efforts between India and United States.

joint exercise is ar step in growing military cooperation between two countries which shows continued strengning in Indo-US relations, he ded.