How Are Indian and US Soldiers Enhancing Defence Ties in Yudh Abhyas 2025?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Yudh Abhyas 2025 is a major joint military exercise between India and the US.
- Live drills are being conducted at Fort Wainwright, Alaska.
- A total of 450 soldiers from each side are participating.
- The exercise focuses on enhancing operational synergy and interoperability.
- It showcases the commitment of both nations to regional peace and security.
Washington, Sep 8 (NationPress) Strengthening the increasing defence collaboration between India and the US, the armed forces of both nations executed live drills at Fort Wainwright in Alaska, part of the 21st iteration of the India–US Joint Military Exercise 'Yudh Abhyas 2025'.
Last week, this significant event kicked off with an impressive opening ceremony at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, and is set to continue until September 14.
"Today, at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, Indian Army and US Army personnel conducted live fire drills," announced the Embassy of India in Washington via X on Monday (India time).
This exercise features a total of 450 soldiers from each side participating in both field and command post operations, while also engaging with subject-matter experts (SMEs) to enhance operational synergy.
According to the Indian Embassy, during the field training aspect of this exercise, soldiers from the Indian Army and the US Army practiced various combat drills collaboratively.
The Indian Army contingent, consisting of 450 troops led by a battalion from the Madras Regiment, reached Fairbanks on August 31.
They are collaborating with US troops from the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment ("Bobcats"), part of the 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Arctic Wolves), 11th Airborne Division.
The 2025 edition marks one of the largest bilateral military exercises for the Indian Army in terms of troop involvement.
This edition encompasses mountain and high-altitude operations in sub-arctic environments, heliborne and air-mobility integration, supported by artillery and aviation resources.
Furthermore, it will emphasize electronic warfare, surveillance, counter-drone systems, medical evacuation, and combat casualty management in field scenarios, alongside live-fire tactical drills to validate seamless interoperability.
Yudh Abhyas is recognized as a flagship, high-complexity Army-to-Army exercise and serves as a cornerstone of India-US military cooperation. The Indian Embassy noted that India conducts more military exercises with the US than with any other nation.
"India conducts more military exercises with the US than with any other country. Exercises such as Yudh Abhyas, Malabar, COPE India, Vajra Prahar, Tiger Triumph, and others are vital for enhancing interoperability and building mutual trust. They showcase how our two democracies are committed to advancing peace, security, and prosperity, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region," the Embassy added.