Amid tariff tensions, Indian Army contingent joins US troops for military drill in Alaska

Over the course of two weeks, troops will rehearse a range of tactical drills, including heliborne operations, the employment of surveillance resources and unmanned aerial systems

An Indian Army contingent has reached Fort Wainwright in Alaska to take part in the 21st edition of the India-US joint military exercise Yudh Abhyas 2025, scheduled from September 1-14, 2025.

The development comes even as ties between the two countries have significantly plummeted post Donald Trump’s announcement of 50 per cent tariffs on India, that are in effect.

The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the arrival 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 picture shared with the post showed Indian soldiers in front of a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft.

An Indian Army contingent has reached Fort Wainwright, Alaska 🇺🇸 for the 21st edition of Yudh Abhyas 2025 (01 – 14 Sept). 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

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) September 1, 2025

According to a release issued by the Ministry of Defence, the Indian contingent comprises personnel from a battalion of the Madras Regiment, who will be training alongside soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, also known as the "Bobcats" of the Arctic Wolves Brigade Combat Team, part of the US 11th Airborne Division.

Over the course of two weeks, troops will rehearse a range of tactical drills, including heliborne operations, the employment of surveillance resources and unmanned aerial systems, rockcraft, mountain warfare, casualty evacuation, combat medical aid, and the integrated use of artillery, aviation, and electronic warfare systems, the release stated.

The defence ministry added the drill will conclude with joint tactical manoeuvres, including live-fire exercises and high-altitude warfare scenarios, aimed at enhancing UN peacekeeping capabilities and multi-domain readiness.

“In addition, subject-matter experts from both armies will conduct working groups on critical domains such as UAS and Counter-UAS operations, information warfare, communications and logistics,” the statement read.