The 4th edition of the bilateral Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) amphibious exercise known as Tiger TRIUMPH 2025 commenced on April 1, 2025, with a ceremonial event onboard the Indian Navy ship INS Jalashwa (L41). This opening ceremony marks a significant moment in the strengthening of strategic maritime cooperation between India and the United States, highlighting the increasing alignment of interests between the two nations in the Indo-Pacific region.
Tiger TRIUMPH 2025, officially referred to as the Tri-Services India-U.S. Amphibious HADR Exercise, aims to enhance interoperability and coordination across various domains of joint operations, specifically in large-scale disaster relief and humanitarian assistance scenarios. The exercise underscores both countries’ capabilities to execute a unified and integrated military response to crises that may arise in the region.
The initial stage of the exercise, known as the harbour phase, is being conducted in Visakhapatnam from April 1 to April 7, 2025. This part of the exercise includes joint mission planning for the upcoming sea phase, as well as Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE) that cover a range of topics such as special operations, emergency medical response, and multi-domain operations that incorporate air, maritime, cyber, and space elements. Additionally, there are training modules and knowledge-sharing sessions designed to build upon established procedures from previous editions of Tiger TRIUMPH, alongside cultural engagements and sports activities intended to foster camaraderie and strengthen relationships among the personnel of both armed forces.
Following the harbour phase, the sea phase is set to take place from April 8 to April 12, 2025. This portion will involve extensive amphibious operations and joint relief efforts, including the execution of operations from a Joint Combined Command and Control Center. Key activities will feature an amphibious landing at Kakinada, which will subsequently lead to the establishment of a joint humanitarian relief and medical camp.
The Indian Navy’s participation in Tiger TRIUMPH 2025 is substantial, featuring several key platforms and personnel, including the landing platform dock INS Jalashwa equipped with landing crafts and helicopters, the destroyer INS Mumbai, and the Magar-class amphibious assault ship among others. The Indian Air Force is represented by C-130 transport aircraft and Mi-17 V5 helicopters, alongside specialized medical equipment demonstrations.
On the U.S. side, a robust Task Force is involved in the exercise, featuring ships such as the USS Comstock and the USS Ralph Johnson, as well as P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. The U.S. Marine Corps is represented by the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, while the U.S. Air Force and Space Force are contributing resources and expertise for joint operations.
Tiger TRIUMPH 2025 is emblematic of the evolving strategic partnership between India and the United States, reflecting a commitment to respond collectively and efficiently to humanitarian crises, natural disasters, and regional emergencies. A joint statement released at the opening ceremony reiterated the shared vision of maintaining free, open, and inclusive waters in the Indo-Pacific and reaffirmed both nations’ dedication to safeguarding peace, stability, and humanitarian values through collaborative defense initiatives.
