US-India conduct two week joint military exercise. A sign of strengthening ties the joint exercise (YudhAbhyas) consisted of the Mechanised Infantry Battalion of the Indian Army and Second Squadron of 14th Cavalry Regiment of 25 Stryker Brigade Combat Team. The two countries shared experiences in peace keeping operations and also humanitarian work during disaster relief situations. US Army Commander (Pacific) Lt Gen Benjamin R Mixon said that the US “will be comfortable going with the Indian Army anywhere, anytime. We want to work together as militaries and ensure peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.“
Pakistan accuses India of funding the Taliban. Pakistani Interior Minister Rehman Malik said in a television interview that he was convinced that India is among “certain hostile agencies” that are backing the Taliban with the purpose of creating instability in Pakistan. “There are certain hostile elements against Pakistan and there are certain hostile agencies which do not want Pakistan to be (stabilised).” In response to a question on whether India is among the hostile agencies, Malik said, “Yes, of course, I am convinced. I have no doubt about it. I was very open. I have given the full details.” Indian Foreign Ministry officials have rubbished the reports as “baseless” and “preposterous”.
