Why in news?
India and the United States began the 20th edition of the Yudh Abhyas army exercise in September 2025. This year’s drills are being held in Alaska, focusing on high‑altitude warfare and joint disaster response.
Background and history
Started in 2004, Yudh Abhyas is an annual bilateral exercise conducted alternately in India and the US. Its goal is to enhance interoperability, develop counter‑terrorism strategies and improve peacekeeping skills.
Highlights of the 2025 edition
- Participants: The Indian contingent includes soldiers from the Madras Regiment, while the US side is represented by the 5th Infantry Regiment.
- High‑altitude training: Alaska’s rugged terrain offers a unique setting for joint acclimatisation, mountain warfare and survival drills.
- Combined drills: The armies will practise heliborne operations, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) deployments, cordon‑and‑search operations and disaster relief simulations.
Significance
- Defence cooperation: Yudh Abhyas enhances mutual trust and understanding between the two militaries, complementing other engagements like the Malabar naval exercise.
- Sharing best practices: Joint training allows the forces to learn from each other’s experiences in counter‑terrorism, peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance.
- Geostrategic message: Conducting the exercise in Alaska underlines the growing importance of the Indo‑Pacific region and Arctic dynamics in strategic planning.