Pakistan-US conclude ‘Inspired Gambit-2026’ to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation

• Joint exercise held at National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) Pabbi from Jan 8–16
• Centcom says drills focused on infantry skills, advanced tactics, and counterterrorism operations
• US officials highlight exercise as adding a new dimension to Pakistan-US defence relations
• 13th iteration of bilateral training series since 1995 reflects long-standing defence ties

ISLAMABAD: Troops from Pakistan and the United States successfully concluded the joint anti-terror military exercise “Inspired Gambit-2026,” with both sides hailing it as a major step in strengthening bilateral defence cooperation and operational coordination.

According to a statement posted on the official X account of the US Central Command (Centcom), American and Pakistani forces completed the training this week at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), as part of the bilateral exercise.

The Centcom statement coincides with a high-level meeting Pakistan’s Interior Minister and a high-level US delegation led by Acting Ambassador Natalie Baker on Saturday, in which the two countries agreed to enhance coordination in matters of security and border safety, amid growing ties between the two countries.

This week, U.S. and Pakistan Army Soldiers completed training at Pakistan’s National Counter-Terrorism Center during Exercise Inspired Gambit, which focused on combined infantry skills and tactics, and counterterrorism operations. Training exercises like this between the U.S. and… pic.twitter.com/z8eZNvPKLS

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) January 16, 2026

According to a statement issued after the meeting, the discussions featured in-depth deliberations on boosting bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in shared areas of interest.

Both sides agreed to enhance collaboration in bilateral security and border management. It was mutually agreed to further strengthen existing cooperation with the Anti-Terrorist Assistance Programme and the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.

Both sides agreed to equip border security agencies, coastal guards and other institutions with modern US-supplied equipment, it added.

The interior minister said that modern technology would enhance the capacity of border security agencies and coastal guards, and advanced software would be used to identify individuals involved in crimes abroad.

Centcom statement noted that the drills focused on infantry skills, advanced tactical manoeuvres, and counterterrorism operations, aimed at enhancing the troops’ ability to respond to evolving security challenges. The exercise also reinforced mutual trust, operational coordination, and practical cooperation between the two armies.

Inspired Gambit-2026 was held from January 8 to 16, spanning two weeks with a primary focus on counterterrorism. This iteration marks the 13th in the bilateral training series, conducted regularly since 1995, reflecting the long-standing defence relationship between Pakistan and the United States.

A Distinguished Visitors’ Day ceremony was held on January 15 at NCTC Pabbi, attended by US Chargé d’Affaires to Pakistan Natalie Baker alongside senior US military officials and the Commander Rawalpindi Corps. During the event, the visiting dignitaries were briefed on the scope, objectives, and conduct of the exercise, and participants demonstrated a high level of professionalism and operational competence, which earned appreciation from the attendees.

Officials said the exercise aims to enhance bilateral military cooperation through the exchange of counterterrorism experience, refinement of operational drills, and development of interoperability between the two forces.

US officials described Inspired Gambit as adding a new dimension to defence ties between the two countries, highlighting the importance of sustained military-to-military engagement in addressing shared security challenges.

The joint training underscores the enduring defence partnership between Pakistan and the United States and their continued collaboration in promoting regional security and stability.