NEW DELHI– An Indian Army contingent has arrived at Fort Wainwright in Alaska for the 21st edition of the bilateral exercise “Yudh Abhyas,” which runs from September 1 to 14.
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the deployment, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noting on social media that Indian troops will train alongside the U.S. Army’s 11th Airborne Division in heliborne operations, mountain warfare, counter-drone tactics, and joint tactical drills. The training is designed to strengthen readiness for United Nations peacekeeping missions and multi-domain operations.
A photo released by the ministry showed Indian soldiers standing in front of a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft, a symbol of the strategic lift capability central to the partnership.
According to India’s Defence Ministry, the Indian contingent includes a battalion from the Madras Regiment, while U.S. troops are drawn from the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment—known as the “Bobcats” of the Arctic Wolves Brigade.
Over two weeks, the two sides will carry out a demanding set of drills, including heliborne insertion, rockcraft, high-altitude combat training, casualty evacuation, and combat medical support. They will also integrate artillery, aviation assets, and electronic warfare systems into joint maneuvers.
Specialized teams will lead sessions on information warfare, drone and counter-drone tactics, communications, and logistics, while the exercise will culminate in live-fire drills and complex tactical simulations at high altitude.
Officials described “Yudh Abhyas” as a cornerstone of U.S.-India defense cooperation, aimed at enhancing interoperability and underscoring the strategic alignment between the two democracies. The latest edition comes at a time of heightened global tensions, including friction over trade and Washington’s criticism of India’s continued energy ties with Russia. (Source: IANS)
