The 21st edition of the India–US joint military exercise Yudh Abhyas 2025 is underway at Fort Wainwright in Alaska, showcasing the growing defence partnership between the two countries. The exercise, which began last week with a grand opening ceremony, will continue until September 14.

According to the Indian Embassy in Washington, Indian and American soldiers conducted live fire drills on Monday (India time), reinforcing operational synergy and mutual trust. This year’s exercise involves 450 soldiers from each side, engaging in both field training and command post operations.

The Indian Army contingent, led by a battalion of the Madras Regiment, arrived in Fairbanks on August 31. They are training with US troops from the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment (“Bobcats”), part of the 11th Airborne Division’s Arctic Wolves brigade.

Yudh Abhyas 2025 is among the largest bilateral military exercises for the Indian Army in terms of troop deployment. The drills feature mountain and high-altitude operations under sub-arctic conditions, along with heliborne and air mobility integration, supported by artillery and aviation assets.

The exercise also includes training on electronic warfare, counter-drone operations, surveillance, medical evacuation, and combat casualty care under field conditions. Live-fire tactical drills are being conducted to validate interoperability between the two armies.

The Indian Embassy highlighted that India conducts more military exercises with the US than with any other country. Key exercises include Yudh Abhyas, Malabar, COPE India, Vajra Prahar, and Tiger Triumph. Together, they demonstrate the shared commitment of the world’s two largest democracies to advancing peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.