India, U.S. Kick Off Largest-Ever Army Exercise in Alaska Amid Rising Tariff Tensions

Even as bilateral ties face strain over Washington’s steep tariff hike on Indian goods, India and the U.S. on Monday launched their largest-ever Army exercise, Yudh Abhyas 2025, in Alaska. Defence officials from both sides stressed that while trade tensions have flared – after President Donald Trump imposed 50% tariffs on Indian imports – the strategic partnership remains steady, with military cooperation continuing as a cornerstone of bilateral ties.

The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi on Monday underscored this sentiment, tweeting: “The partnership between the United States and India continues to reach new heights — a defining relationship of the 21st century… From innovation and entrepreneurship to defence and bilateral ties, it’s the enduring friendship between our two peoples that fuels this journey.”

This year’s Yudh Abhyas – the 21st edition – brings together over 400 troops from the Indian Army’s Madras Regiment and the U.S. Army’s 5th Infantry Regiment “Bobcats” of the Arctic Wolves Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division. Conducted in the subarctic climate of Fort Wainwright, Alaska, the drill runs through September 14.

Also Read: New Delhi Hosts US Defence Talks, 2+2 Dialogue on Track Despite Tariff Tensions

Largest Joint Army Drill Yet

The two-week exercise features a broad spectrum of tactical training: heliborne operations, use of surveillance systems and UAVs, rock craft and mountain warfare, casualty evacuation, combat medical aid, and integration of artillery, aviation and electronic warfare assets. Subject-matter experts will also convene working groups on critical domains, including counter-UAS operations, information warfare, communications, and logistics.

The exercise will culminate in complex, jointly planned manoeuvres ranging from live-fire engagements to high-altitude warfare scenarios. A strong emphasis is being placed on interoperability for United Nations peacekeeping operations under Chapter VII mandates, counter-terrorism contingencies, and multi-domain operations.

Adding weight to the drills, the U.S. will showcase its amphibious Stryker combat vehicle at India’s request – a demonstration with potential procurement implications. For Washington, the exercise also offers a chance to draw lessons from India’s recently concluded Operation Sindoor, which was lauded for its integration of modern warfare elements.

Also Read: India, US Advance Major Defence Partnership at 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue

Parallel Naval Momentum

Meanwhile, the Quad partners – India, the U.S., Japan and Australia – are finalising operational details for the 29th edition of the Malabar naval exercise off Guam later this year in November. What began in 1992 as a bilateral drill between New Delhi and Washington has since grown into a key four-nation initiative symbolising Indo-Pacific security cooperation. However, US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering cancelling his upcoming visit to India and skipping the QUAD Summit. The summit, scheduled to take place in November in New Delhi, will bring together leaders from India, Australia, Japan, and the United States to discuss key geopolitical issues.

Ravi Shankar