India, UK begin ‘Ajeya Warrior’ military exercise in Rajasthan

• The eighth edition of the India-UK joint military exercise ‘Ajeya Warrior-25’ commenced at the Mahajan field firing ranges in Rajasthan's Bikaner district on November 17.

• ‘Ajeya Warrior’ is a biennial training exercise between the two sides that is conducted alternatively in the UK and India.

• Since its launch in 2011, the exercise has evolved into a flagship engagement between the Indian and British armies.

• Conducted under a United Nations mandate, the bilateral exercise focuses on counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban environment.

• This edition of the exercise brings together 240 personnel with equal representation from the Indian Army and the British Army. The Indian Army is being represented by troops of the Sikh Regiment.

• The 14-day exercise will conclude on November 30.

• The training will include joint mission planning at Brigade level, integrated tactical drills, simulation-based scenarios and company-level field training exercises replicating real-life counter-terror contingencies.

• The exercise also aims to share best practices, enhance tactical proficiency and develop coordinated responses for managing complex operations in challenging environments.

Other exercises with the UK:

India and the UK engage in regular bilateral and multilateral military exercises. 

These include:

• Konkan - Annual bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and Royal Navy.

• Indradhanush - Air exercise between the Indian Air Force and the Royal Air Force.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)