On arriving in India in 1798, he effected the disbandment of the Nizam of Hyderabad's Indian units that had been under the command of the Frenchman Monsieur Raymond and officered by non-British Europeans.

The disbanded units would be formed into a British-officered army and would fight with the East India Company troops during the Mysore campaign (1790 - 1792) and their efforts at the Siege of Seringapatam against Tipu Sultan in the final battle of the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War would earn approbation of the Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, who recorded that they 'behaved well.

In addition, two battalions, known as the Elichpur Brigade, were raised by Nawab Salabat Khan, Subedar of Berar, who later formed part of the Nizam's forces.

The Hyderabad Contingent would serve closely alongside the Madras Army of the East India Company.

The Hyderabad Contingent would remain loyal to Company rule in India during the Indian Rebellion of 1857, effectively stemming the revolt in the Carnatic and Mysore regions.