Recently, a rumor spread rapidly on social media that British Gurkha Battalion soldiers had approached the Pakistan border closely. However, the truth is quite different. These soldiers were not preparing for war but participated in a joint military exercise between India and the UK.
Called Ajeya Warrior, this exercise takes place every two years, marking its 8th edition this time around. Initiated in 2013, the exercise alternates locations, sometimes held in India and occasionally in the UK. This year's exercise was staged in India.
Date: November 17, 2024, to December 1, 2024 (a total of 15 days).
Location: Mahajan Field Firing Range, Bikaner (Rajasthan).
Distance: Approximately 80-100 km from the Pakistan border.
This area is vast—more than 300,000 acres—and hosts training with live ammunition.
From the UK: A (Amboor) Company of the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles. Total soldiers: around 120 Gurkha troops. Commanding Officer: Major Richard Butler.
From India: 21 Sikh Regiment (21 SIKH). Total soldiers: about 120. Commanding Officer: Colonel Gurpreet Singh.
Source: aajtak
This exercise was notably demanding compared to previous ones, featuring a theme focused on executing peace enforcement operations against terrorism as outlined in United Nation's Chapter-7. The scenario posited a city seized by terrorists, guiding troops on reclaiming it and safeguarding civilians.
Tasks included locating and disarming IEDs (roadside bombs), combatting threats from small drones, engaging in urban warfare, conducting nighttime operations with night vision, performing medical evacuations using Chinook helicopters, and exchanging weaponry expertise—Gurkhas wielded Indian INSAS rifles while Sikhs handled British SA-80 rifles.
On November 30 and December 1, there was a continuous 48-hour operation. Soldiers from both nations operated under a unified command to reclaim a fictional city from terrorist forces. The operation utilized live bullets, real grenades, and authentic smoke bombs, with aerial support from the Indian Air Force helicopters.
British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron remarked that this exercise aligns with the India-UK 2035 Vision, promoting global peace collaboration. An Indian Army General expressed pride at the seamless integration between the Gurkha and Sikh troops, both hailed as some of the bravest regiments worldwide.
Source: aajtak
The day commenced at 5 AM with group runs, followed by community meals at the Gurdwara. Gurkhas showcased their traditional Khukuri dance, while Sikh soldiers taught Gatka, a Punjabi martial art. Friendly football and volleyball matches were held, with the UK winning the football match and India triumphing in volleyball.
Despite the proximity to the Pakistan border, the Mahajan Range's closeness led to speculation. Seeing Gurkha soldiers in British uniforms stirred imaginations about possible involvement in an Indo-Pak conflict. The reality is it was purely a training exercise between two friendly nations learning how to counter terrorism together, not a war.
