Despite tensions, India and US conduct joint military exercise in Alaska

Despite recent tensions in the India-US ties, the armies of the two countries are set to conduct a two-week-long joint military exercise. An Indian Army contingent has departed for Fort Wainwright, Alaska, USA, to participate in the 21st edition of India-USA Joint Military Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2025. The exercise, scheduled from September 1 to 14, will feature personnel from the Madras Regiment training alongside US soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment “Bobcats” of Arctic Wolves Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division of the USA.

Over the course of two weeks, troops will rehearse various tactical drills, including heliborne operations, employment of surveillance resources and unmanned aerial systems, rock craft operations, mountain warfare, casualty evacuation, combat medical aid, and integrated use of artillery, aviation, and electronic warfare systems. Additionally, subject-matter experts from both armies will conduct working groups on critical domains such as unmanned aerial systems (UAS), counter-UAS operations, information warfare, communications, and logistics.

The exercise will culminate in jointly planned and executed tactical manoeuvres, ranging from live-fire exercises to high-altitude warfare scenarios, with a focus on improving capabilities for United Nations peacekeeping operations and strengthening preparedness for multi-domain challenges.