[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]On Monday, New Delhi and Washington began a joint military air exercise in India.
Exercise Cope India 23 is being held at air force stations in Panagarh and Kalaikunda in the eastern state of West Bengal, and Agra in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, according to the Indian Defence Ministry.
“The exercise aims to improve mutual understanding between the two air forces and share best practises,” according to the statement.
The first phase of #ExCopeIndia 23, a bilateral Air Exercise between the #IAF and #USAF commenced today in the Eastern sector.
The exercise aims to enhance mutual understanding between the two Air Forces and share their best practices.#DiplomatsInFlightSuits@usairforce pic.twitter.com/xXQaw1hNhd
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) April 10, 2023
According to the ministry, the first phase of the exercise began on Monday and will focus on “air mobility, involving transport aircraft and special forces assets from both air forces.”
“Both sides will operate C-130J and C-17 aircraft, with the US Air Force also operating an MC-130J,” according to the statement.
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It also stated that the exercise includes the participation of Japanese Air Self-Defense Force aircrew as observers.
Japan and India conducted their first-ever joint air drills in January, which lasted 11 days.
Japan is a member of the US-led Quad, which also includes Australia and India. The Quad is a loose security alliance that is widely thought to be aimed at containing China’s growing economic and security influence in the Asia-Pacific region.
The 18th edition of the Indo-US joint training exercise “Yudh Abhyas 22” was held in November last year in India’s Himalayan state of Uttarakhand, close to the Chinese border.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
