UK and Indian soldiers join forces for Exercise Ajeya Warrior
UK and Indian troops have taken part in a two-week joint military exercise known as Ajeya Warrior, tackling counter-terrorism and insurgency operations.
A 120-strong infantry company of Indian soldiers from the 6th Battalion Bihar Regiment (6 BIHAR) trained with the 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles (2 RGR) in Wiltshire.
2 RGR is part of the UK'S Global Response Force (GRF) with 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team (16 Air Asslt BCT) and a newly established Combat Aviation BCT.
Brigadier Nick Cowley, Commander 16 Air Asslt BCT, said: "As the Army's high readiness brigade, we are constantly ready to go on high-intensity operations, so we train incredibly hard for when it's required of us.
"On this particular exercise we've been training two of our battle groups and we've also been training with our Indian brothers and that's been a phenomenal addition to our training.
"What's been impressive is how quickly the tactical relationship has built.
"Even on the first day of the exercise I watched the Indian company do a helicopter assault into a complex urban attack and it was like they'd been part of the British battlegroup for months."
For the Indian army, there was a greater complexity than on previous Ajeya Warriors' and they needed to familiarise themselves with the UK's weaponry, procedures, strategies, and emerging military technology.
"This is the first time I've worked with the Indian Army," said Major Tim Cummings, Officer Commanding of B Company, 2 RGR. "I didn’t know what to expect and it's been a real joy.
"My company happened to be working alongside 6 BIHAR Company, so we've developed quite a good friendship.
"There are lots of similarities in doctrine and tactics that smooth the process of merging.
"Our Gurkha soldiers, most speak Hindi, so it eases the relationship and the professionalism, and the drive is really good to experience."
The long-standing relationship between the two countries has seen the bi-annual exercise in its seventh iteration, the last one took place in Chaubatia, northern India, in 2021.
Colonel Neelandra Singh Rathore, Commanding Officer 6 BIHAR, said: "The exercise has achieved the desired level of outcomes and has set new standards of joint venture and interoperability between both armies.
"Staying together, fighting together has developed a great level of comradery."
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