An Indian Army team reached Fort Wainwright in Alaska on Monday, September 1, for the 21st edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas. The annual joint drill with the United States will run from September 1 to 14.
This exercise comes at a time when relations between New Delhi and Washington are under strain. Recently, US President Donald Trump imposed a 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods, calling it a penalty for New Delhi’s oil imports from Russia.
Defence Ties Continue Despite Tariff Dispute
Even as trade disputes grow, defence cooperation between the two democracies remains strong. Officials stressed that the partnership has expanded steadily for over two decades, with military exercises at its core.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs announced the deployment on X. “An Indian Army contingent has reached Fort Wainwright, Alaska for the 21st edition of Yudh Abhyas 2025 (01–14 Sept). Alongside US 11th Airborne Division troops, they’ll train in heliborne ops, mountain warfare, UAS/counter-UAS & joint tactical drills—boosting UN PKO & multi-domain readiness,” the ministry posted.
An Indian Army contingent has reached Fort Wainwright, Alaska 🇺🇸 for the 21st edition of Yudh Abhyas 2025 (01 – 14 Sept).
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) September 1, 2025
Alongside U.S. 11th Airborne Division troops, they’ll train in heliborne ops, mountain warfare, UAS/counter-UAS & joint tactical drills—boosting UN PKO &… pic.twitter.com/FgXR39ga22
A photo released by the ministry showed Indian troops standing in front of a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft.
Who is Taking Part
The Indian team includes soldiers from the Madras Regiment. On the US side, troops belong to the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment “Bobcats,” which is part of the Arctic Wolves Brigade Combat Team under the 11th Airborne Division.
Training Focus and Exercises
Over two weeks, both armies will conduct heliborne operations, mountain warfare drills, casualty evacuation, and combat medical aid training. The drills will also integrate artillery, aviation, electronic warfare, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
The exercise will close with joint tactical manoeuvres. These include live-fire drills and high-altitude combat scenarios. The aim is to sharpen UN peacekeeping abilities and strengthen multi-domain readiness.
In addition, experts from both sides will hold discussions on UAS and counter-UAS strategies, information warfare, communications, and logistics.