The 21st edition of the joint military exercise "Yudh Abhyas 2025" between the Indian and US armies commenced on September 1, 2025, in Alaska, despite existing trade and tariff tensions between New Delhi and Washington. This annual exercise, scheduled from September 1st to 14th, highlights the robust strategic relationship and defense cooperation between the two countries.
An Indian Army contingent, consisting of personnel from a battalion of the Madras Regiment, will be training alongside soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment "Bobcats" of the Arctic Wolves Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division of the US Army. The troops will engage in a wide array of tactical drills over the two weeks, including heliborne operations, employment of surveillance resources and unmanned aerial systems, rock craft, mountain warfare, casualty evacuation, combat medical aid, and the integrated use of artillery, aviation, and electronic warfare systems.
Subject matter experts from both armies will conduct working groups focusing on critical domains such as Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and counter-UAS operations, information warfare, communications, and logistics. These discussions aim to enhance technical expertise and share best practices, further strengthening bilateral military ties.
The exercise will culminate in jointly planned and executed tactical maneuvers, including live-fire exercises and high-altitude warfare scenarios. The focus will be on improving capabilities for United Nations peacekeeping operations and strengthening preparedness for multi-domain challenges.
"Yudh Abhyas" started in 2004 under the US Army Pacific partnership program. This year's edition takes place amidst strained ties due to trade and tariff policies imposed by the United States. Despite these tensions, defense officials emphasize that the long-standing strategic partnership and defense cooperation between India and the US remain strong. Deliveries of GE engines are ongoing, and a future deal for MQ-9B drones is anticipated, highlighting the enduring nature of this strategic alliance. This continuing collaboration underscores the resilience of the India-US partnership, even in the face of broader political and economic disagreements.
