India and the United States have kicked off their 21st joint military exercise, ‘Yudh Abhyas 2025’, at Fort Wainwright in Alaska. The grand opening ceremony took place on September 4, highlighting the strong defence partnership between the two countries.
Over the next two weeks, around 900 soldiers—450 from India and 450 from the US—will participate in various military drills. They will carry out field exercises and command post training to boost their operational coordination. Experts from both nations will also work together to deepen their understanding of tactics and technology.
The Indian Army contingent, including soldiers from the Madras Regiment, arrived in Alaska earlier this week. They will work alongside the US Army’s 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, known as the “Bobcats,” part of the Arctic Wolves Brigade under the 11th Airborne Division.
During the exercises, troops will practice heliborne operations, mountain warfare, drone tactics (UAS and counter-UAS), and joint tactical drills. These activities aim to improve how India and the US can work together in peacekeeping missions, disaster relief, and multi-domain combat.
A notable image shared by India’s Ministry of External Affairs shows Indian soldiers standing in front of a massive C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, symbolizing the strategic airlift power supporting this Indo-US defence partnership.
Both forces will also focus on specialized areas such as information warfare, communications, logistics, and electronic warfare. Senior experts from both countries will lead joint working groups to share knowledge and develop new strategies.
‘Yudh Abhyas’, which means “War Practice,” is a key part of Indo-US military cooperation. It has grown over the years into a vital platform for strengthening military interoperability and strategic ties between the world’s oldest democracy and one of its largest.
This yearly exercise reflects the deepening defence ties between India and the US, emphasizing their shared commitment to regional stability and security.
