Has the Indian Army Arrived in the US for 'Yudh Abhyas 2025'?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Strengthening Indo-US military cooperation
- Focus on multi-domain operational readiness
- Intensive training in various tactical areas
- Joint working groups on key military strategies
- Commitment to UN peacekeeping efforts
New Delhi, Sep 2 (NationPress) A contingent from the Indian Army has arrived at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, USA, for the 21st edition of 'Yudh Abhyas 2025', taking place from September 1 to 14, as announced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared on social media platform 'X', "An Indian Army contingent has reached Fort Wainwright, Alaska, for the 21st edition of Yudh Abhyas 2025 (01–14 Sept)."
Alongside troops from the US 11th Airborne Division, they will engage in training focused on heliborne operations, mountain warfare, UAS/counter-UAS, and joint tactical drills—enhancing UN Peacekeeping Operations and multi-domain readiness.
A striking image shared by the MEA shows Indian troops gathered in front of the powerful C-17 Globemaster III, signifying the strategic lift behind the joint Indo-US defense collaboration.
The Indian contingent includes members from a battalion of the Madras Regiment, while their US counterparts are from the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, known as the “Bobcats” of the Arctic Wolves Brigade, part of the US Army's 11th Airborne Division.
Over the span of two weeks, both forces will engage in an intense schedule of tactical exercises, including heliborne operations, rockcraft, mountain warfare, casualty evacuation, combat medical training, and integration of Artillery, Aviation, and Electronic Warfare systems.
Experts from both nations will lead joint working groups on critical areas such as information warfare, UAS and counter-UAS tactics, communications, and logistical coordination.
The exercise will conclude with coordinated tactical maneuvers, live-fire drills, and high-altitude combat simulations, highlighting a shared commitment to UN peacekeeping readiness and enhanced multi-domain operational capabilities.
Yudh Abhyas serves as a cornerstone of Indo-US defense cooperation, not only enhancing military interoperability but also reflecting the growing strategic alignment between the globe's two largest democracies.
Importantly, these joint drills occur amid complex geopolitical dynamics, including rising trade tensions and recent US criticisms regarding India's energy relations with Russia.