NEW DELHI, October 12 (RIA Novosti) - India and the United States launched on Monday large-scale military exercises, India's Defense Ministry said.

The 15-day war games, codenamed 'Yudh Abhyas' (preparation for war), are taking place in northern India's Jhansi district, part of the state of Uttar Pradesh.

The drills involve the Indian Army Motorized Infantry Battalion and the 2nd Squadron of 14 CAV of 25 Stryker Brigade Combat Team, comprising some 320 U.S. servicemen.

The ministry said the focus of the exercises was "on mechanized infantry operations for counter-insurgency/counter-terrorism in semi-urban terrain."

They are designed to "further enhance interoperability already built through a series of exercises with US,'' a senior Indian officer was quoted as saying.

The exercise will comprise a number of special operations, including peacekeeping, patrols, humanitarian assistance, community support and logistics.

The ministry said the exercise was being conducted under a UN mandate.