The 21st edition of the India-U.S. joint military exercise, Yudh Abhyas 2025, concluded in Alaska today, capping off two weeks of intense training at Fort Wainwright. This significant event, which commenced on September 1, saw personnel from the Indian Army’s Madras Regiment and the U.S. Army’s 11th Airborne Division come together, marking a notable advancement in bilateral defense cooperation.
The exercise incorporated a range of activities designed to enhance operational readiness, including command post exercises, field training operations, and live-fire drills conducted in sub-arctic terrain. Troops from both nations engaged in patrols, small-unit maneuvers, and tactical drills, which allowed them to familiarise themselves with each other’s procedures and equipment in realistic conditions.
A central theme of Yudh Abhyas 2025 was medical readiness. Joint training focused on several key areas, including casualty evacuation, frostbite prevention, high-altitude physiology, and overall force health protection. Research published in the Journal of Military Medicine in 2023 suggests that participation in such joint drills can enhance survival rates by up to 15% in extreme environments, emphasizing the exercise’s strategic importance.
The final phase of the exercise showcased integrated operations that involved infantry, artillery, aviation, electronic warfare, and counter-drone capabilities under a unified command. A Distinguished Visitor Day on September 11 highlighted live-fire maneuvers and collaborative battle group operations, receiving accolades from senior officials for the seamless coordination exhibited between the Indian and U.S. forces. Furthermore, joint artillery units conducted precision mortar drills at the Yukon Training Area, which tested fire control and communications efficiency.
Since its inception in 2002 as a platoon-level drill, Yudh Abhyas has evolved into one of the most sophisticated bilateral military exercises between India and the United States. This transformation reflects the strengthening of defense ties formalized by India’s designation as a “Major Defense Partner” in 2016 and the New Framework agreement established in 2005.
Conducted against the backdrop of increasing geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, this year’s exercise underscored the commitment of both nations to uphold peace, stability, and security. The successful culmination of Yudh Abhyas 2025 not only highlighted the interoperability of Indian and U.S. armed forces but also set the groundwork for future collaborations aimed at addressing multi-domain challenges, including United Nations peacekeeping operations.
