India and the United States are preparing for their annual joint military exercise Yudh Abhyas, to be held from September 1-16 in Alaska. It is the first such exercise after India’s highly successful Operation Sindoor, and points to the continuing strength of their defence cooperation. ‘India-US alliance survived changes’: What MEA said before Trump-Putin meet; unveils 21st ‘Yudh Abhyas’ joint training in Alaska
Yudh Abhyas, in its 21st edition, will host more than 400 Indian soldiers, spearheaded by war-tested Madras Regiment, who will march along with their American counterparts. The glaciated and high-altitude landscape of Alaska will bring both realism and complication to the exercises. These exercises always cover an array of formats—counter-terrorism exercises, UN mandate peacekeeping missions, command post exercises, and interoperability in mission planning, tactical movement, and coordination for disaster relief.
Even with prevailing economic tensions mainly trade disputes and tariffs the impending drill is a clear indication that strategic and defence cooperation is still an essential support of the India–U.S. relationship. It also shows Washington’s appreciation for India’s burgeoning military capabilities, particularly its proven coordination and operational maturity in conducting Operation Sindoor.
Why It Matters
Post-Sindoor Trust: U.S. interest in India’s operational success particularly in modern, joint warfare execution—is reflected in the renewed focus on Yudh Abhyas.
Capability Showcase: The setting—a hostile, high-altitude geography—confronts difficult conditions that optimize both learning and mutual confidence.
Strategic Signaling: Holding this exercise during trade tensions puts focus on the dual-track character of bilateral relations: economic differences are juxtaposed with firm strategic affinities.