The air forces of the United States and India are slated to begin a 12-day military exercise on Monday. Dubbed as the "Ex Cope India-18," the military exercise will take place in the Indian air force station of Kalaikunda and Panagarh in the West Bengal region. The aim of the military exercise is to further enhance operational coordination between the two countries.
"Ex Cope India-18" is the fourth iteration of the military exercise between the two countries. It features a series of bilateral drills between the American and Indian air forces. While this military exercise has been going on for several iterations, this is the first time that the military drill will take place in two air force bases, according to military officials.
In a statement acquired by NDTV, the Indian Air Force said, "The aim of the exercise is to provide operational exposure and undertake a mutual exchange of best practices towards enhancing operational capability."
As part of its contingent, the United States air force sent a fleet consisted of the C-130 and F15 C/D military aircraft. For their part, the Indian air force's contingent is composed of the Su-30 MKI, Mirage 2000, the Jaguar, C-130J, and the AWACS or Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft. The military exercise is part of the two countries' effort to enhance cooperation in terms of defense and security.
It is important to note that United States President Donald Trump has, on several occasions, iterated the importance of the country's South Asian allies. President Trump made this statement during his first prime-time televised address to the nation. As part of this commitment, many analysts believe that enhancing military cooperation with India is a very strategic move.
It is also important to note that the United States designated India one of its "Major Defense Partner." The U.S. publicized this decision way back in 2016. The pact was seen by many analysts as a strategic move to elevate not only defense cooperation between the two countries, but will also cover both trade and technology sharing.
While some analysts have noted that a defense cooperation with India is just part of the United States' strategy in the Far East, some analysts have noted that this move was well-thought in order to balance China's rising influence not only in the region but also in the world in general.
China has imposed its authority in the South China Sea, a move that has since been challenged by the United States.
