Indian Army’s ‘Maximum Restraint’ mantra impresses US military

“Maximum Restraint and Minimum Force’ – this operative mantra of the Indian Army has impressed their peers in the US during a joint exercise, held at Joint Base Lewis McChord in Washington State.

“One of the great mantras that we got (from the Indians) is the concept of maximum restraint minimum force,” Lt Col Teddy Kleisner from the 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment said after participating in the ongoing India-US joint exercise entitled Yudh Abyas(literally, preparatory exercise for battle).

The US Army also learnt about the anti-infiltration security fence that India has on the border, he added.

The joint exercises between the two sides focuses on strengthening and broadening interoperability and cooperation between the two armies. “We have learned a tremendous amount from them on jointness, operating at high altitude and in developing soldier-to-soldier relationships,” Lieutenant General Stephen R. Lanza, Commanding General, I Corps said.

The focus of Yudh Abhyas this year is on peacekeeping operations under the UN, the type of scenarios the two countries could be expected to do together.

“This bilateral exercise reinforces our commitment to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region and improves the interoperability between our two Armies. It builds upon our enduring partnership and cultivates trust,” said Brigadier Robert Ulses, 7th Infantry Division, Deputy Commanding General- Sustainment.

The September 9-24 joint exercise, the 11^th edition of Yudh Abhyas, reflects emerging trust and momentum in the India-US defence relations. Recently, the US emerged as the second largest supplier of cutting-edge military hardware to India. The two countries are looking to transform their defence relationship from buyer-seller relationship to co-production and co-development, a key thrust of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Make in India campaign. Defence Trade and Technology Initiative (DTTI) has emerged as a key pillar of this transformed relationship.

The burgeoning defence relationship is set to up for review and upgrade during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third bilateral meeting with US President Barack Obama in New York on September 28.

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