An Indian Army contingent has reached Fort Wainwright in Alaska to take part in the 21st edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas, the annual India–US military drill. The exercise will run from September 1 to 14.

The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the arrival on Tuesday, posting 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.”

A photo shared with the post showed Indian soldiers standing in front of a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft.

What the exercise will cover

According to the Defence Ministry, India is represented by a battalion of the Madras Regiment, while the US side is led by soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment “Bobcats” of the Arctic Wolves Brigade Combat Team under the 11th Airborne Division.

The joint training will include:

  • Heliborne operations

  • Mountain warfare drills

  • Use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS)

  • Counter-UAS tactics

  • Casualty evacuation and combat medical aid

  • Artillery, aviation, and electronic warfare integration

Both sides will also hold working groups on information warfare, logistics, communications, and modern battlefield technology.

The Defence Ministry said the exercise will end with joint tactical manoeuvres, including live-fire drills and high-altitude combat scenarios. The main goal is to improve teamwork for United Nations peacekeeping missions and strengthen readiness for multi-domain operations.

This year’s drill takes place amid a tense phase in India–US ties. Relations have faced strain after President Donald Trump imposed 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods, creating fresh trade friction.