A three-member delegation from the United States Army, led by Colonel Matthew Kohler, concluded a three-day visit to the College of Military Engineering (CME) in Pune, Maharashtra, under the Subject Matter Expert Exchange Programme. Held from May 13 to 15, the visit was aimed at enhancing military cooperation between India and the United States, particularly in the areas of Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (Counter-IED) operations and Unexploded Ordnance Disposal.
During their stay, the US delegates engaged in detailed discussions with Lieutenant General AK Ramesh, Commandant of CME, and senior faculty members. The interactions focused on sharing operational strategies, technical know-how, and best practices for handling modern security threats posed by IEDs and unexploded ordnance, which continue to be a challenge in asymmetric warfare scenarios.
The College of Military Engineering, situated on the Old Mumbai-Pune Highway in Dapodi, has played a pivotal role in military engineering education in India since its inception in 1943. It trains officers in combat engineering, explosives handling, and other specialized fields critical to defense preparedness.
The exchange highlighted the growing depth of India-US defense relations. With the United States now India’s largest partner in joint military exercises, such initiatives reinforce mutual trust and operational compatibility. Both nations reiterated their commitment to addressing global security challenges, particularly in areas like counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, and the safe disposal of explosives.
As part of the visit, a ceremonial exchange of mementos took place, symbolizing the strengthening bonds between the two armed forces. A formal gathering at the CME campus brought together Indian and US personnel in a show of camaraderie and shared purpose. The Indian Army’s Army Training Command emphasized the strategic importance of such professional exchanges in fostering long-term defense partnerships.
This visit represents another significant step in India-US military engagement, underscoring a broader alignment across strategic, technical, and operational dimensions. As both countries continue to collaborate on regional and global defense issues, these exchanges serve as vital platforms for building expertise and reinforcing joint readiness against emerging threats.
