Explainer: Alaska base — venue of Trump-Putin meet — has hosted Indian troops for joint drills

The world’s eyes are now on the United States’ Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska, the chosen venue for a hurriedly convened yet crucial meeting between US President Donald J Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir V Putin on August 15.Spread over 64,000 acres at Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city located on its southern coast, it is the biggest military base in that state and a key US site for military operations in the Arctic region and also an important training area.Just about 1,100 km from the nearest tip of Russian territory on Kamchatka Peninsula across the Bering Strait, it was chosen as the meeting venue as it offered the required infrastructure and security amidst the tourist season.The base was established in 1940 as Fort Richardson and the air facilities there were named as Elmendorf, in honour of a US experimental pilot who was killed in an air crash. In 1951, the US Army units at the base moved to the new Fort Richardson nearby and the Air Force assumed control of the original Fort Richardson, renaming it as Elmendorf Air Force Base.In 2010, facilities were officially combined under Pentagon’s Base Closure and Realignment Commission and renamed as Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. At present, it houses the Alaskan Command, Alaskan North American Air Defence Region, Joint Task Force-Alaska, Eleventh Air Force, 673d Air Base Wing, the 3rd Wing, the 176th Wing and various other ancillary units.Joint India-US military drillsThe base has also hosted Indian troops on at least two occasions for annual Yudh Abhyas joint Indo-US drills. In 2021, an Indian Army contingent comprising about 350 troops from 7th Battalion of the Madras Regiment spent two weeks at the base. Earlier in 2010, elements from 62 Infantry Brigade and the 5th Battalion of the Parachute Regiment had trained with US forces at the base.Held alternately in India and the US since 2004, Yudh Abhyas, translating to “war practice”, aims to enhance interoperability and cooperation between the two armies in various tactical drills and combat scenarios, particularly in counter-terrorism and peacekeeping operations.India’s military link with Alaska goes beyond Elmendorf-Richardson and encompasses the air forces also. In 2023, Yudh Abhas was held at Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks, about 425 km north of Anchorage. While in 2024, the site for the drill was Rajasthan, this year, it is expected to be held in Alaska in September, at a time when India-US relations are under strain because of high tariffs being levied on import of Indian goods by the US.Besides, the Indian Air Force fighters and support aircraft have also taken to Alaskan skies as part of the Red Flag multi-nation exercises on two occasions. The two-week drills are focused on honing the skills and tactics required in aerial combat scenarios.In April-May 2016, the IAF deployed four Su-30 MKI fighters, four Jaguars, two IL-78 aerial refuelling tankers and two C-17 transport aircraft to the Eielson Air Force Base in Fairbanks. In 2024, the base hosted IAF’s Rafale fighters along with the IL-78 and C-17.Comprising several squadrons, including those equipped with the F-35, Eielson’s host unit is the 354th Fighter Wing whose primary mission is to support the Red Flag. Both, the Red Flag and Yudh Abhyas, have also been conducted at several different places outside Alaska, including Hawaii.Potential for research collaborationsGoing beyond the military domain, Alaska also offers potential for collaboration in scientific research, especially studies related to arctic conditions, climate change, atmospheric sciences, polar microbiology, glaciology and hydrocarbons.The Himalayas and the Arctic are facing similar environmental concerns like glacial melt, reducing snow cover and gradual warming. Indian research in the Arctic helps scientists understand the Himalayan glacier dynamics, which are vital for India’s water security and ecological preservation.India is also an observer state in the Arctic Council, where Alaska, as part of the US, is actively involved. This forum facilitates scientific dialogue on Arctic issues, including climate change and sustainable development.At present, India’s Arctic research is focused on collaborations with Russian institutes like the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute in Saint Petersburg, and its own station, Himadri, that was set up at Svalbard in Norway in 2008.

Explainer: Alaska base — venue of Trump-Putin meet — has hosted Indian troops for joint drills

Vijay Mohan

Tribune News Service

Explainer: Alaska base — venue of Trump-Putin meet — has hosted Indian troops for joint drills

Vijay Mohan

Tribune News Service

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