 "21st Yudh Abhyas: Indian Army joins US troops for military exercise in Alaska amid Trump tariff tensions")
An Indian Army contingent has arrived in Alaska to take part in the 21st edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas, the annual India-US joint military drill running from September 1 to 14 amid Trump’s 50 per cent tariffs and strained ties.
An Indian Army contingent on Monday (Sept 2) arrived at Fort Wainwright in Alaska to take part in the 21st edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas, the annual India-US joint military drill running from September 1 to 14.
Far from recent tariff tensions, India and the US launched one of their largest-ever Army exercises in Alaska. Plans are also underway for the Malabar naval exercise with Quad countries near Guam in November.
Despite strains in India-US ties after President Donald Trump imposed 50 per cent tariffs on New Delhi, defence officials said the strategic partnership built over the last two decades, with defence cooperation at its core, remains strong.
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the arrival on X, “An Indian Army contingent has reached Fort Wainwright, Alaska for the 21st edition of Yudh Abhyas 2025 (01–14 Sept). Alongside US 11th Airborne Division troops, they’ll train in heliborne ops, mountain warfare, UAS/counter-UAS & joint tactical drills—boosting UN PKO & multi-domain readiness.”
A photograph shared by the ministry showed Indian soldiers in front of a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the Indian contingent is from the Madras Regiment, while the US side includes soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment “Bobcats”, part of the Arctic Wolves Brigade Combat Team under the 11th Airborne Division.
Over two weeks, troops will practice drills ranging from heliborne operations and mountain warfare to casualty evacuation and combat medical aid. The exercise will also integrate artillery, aviation, electronic warfare, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
The Defence Ministry added the drill will conclude with joint tactical manoeuvres, including live-fire exercises and high-altitude warfare scenarios, aimed at enhancing UN peacekeeping capabilities and multi-domain readiness.
Experts from both armies will also hold working sessions on UAS and counter-UAS operations, information warfare, communications, and logistics.a
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