India and the United States recently completed the first part of a major joint military exercise called Tiger Triumph 2025. This is a tri-service exercise, which means it involves the Army, Navy, and Air Force of both countries. The goal of this exercise is to improve teamwork, understanding, and cooperation between the two nations, especially in situations like natural disasters or emergencies where both countries might need to help each other.
Planning and Coordination
The first part of the exercise, called the Harbour Phase, took place in Visakhapatnam, a coastal city in India. Before starting the main drills, military leaders and teams from both sides met at the Maritime Warfare Centre to plan and coordinate their activities. This meeting was important to make sure everything runs smoothly in the next phase at sea.
Impressive Joint Flying Mission
One of the most exciting events was a joint flying operation involving the Indian Air Force (IAF), Indian Navy, and the United States Air Force (USAF). The IAF's C-130 Hercules aircraft led the formation, flying alongside Indian Navy’s Hawk aircraft and the USAF’s own C-130. These aircraft flew in coordination with two ships — India’s INS Jalashwa and the US Navy’s USS Comstock. This activity showed great teamwork and how well the two forces can operate together in the air and at sea.
Special Forces Air Insertion
In another major activity, 16 special forces soldiers — from the US Special Forces, Indian Air Force Garud commandos, and Indian Army Para Commandos — were air-dropped by helicopter onto the beach at Kakinada. This is a realistic training for quick-response missions during emergencies or military operations.
Ground Training and Tactical Exercises
During the harbour phase, both Indian and US troops trained side by side in various drills. Indian troops from the 8 Gorkha Infantry Battalion Group, part of the Bison Division, worked together with the US Army’s 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment (known as the Bobcats) and the US Marine Corps’ 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion.
At the Duvvada Firing Range, they practiced combat shooting, jungle warfare, and close-range battle techniques. They also trained in Integrated Field Craft (IFC), which includes moving through difficult terrain, working as a team, and being ready for combat in any environment. Soldiers also learned combat medical aid, like how to give first aid and carry injured soldiers to safety.
Leaders Lead by Example
Senior officers like Rear Admiral Greg Newkirk from the US Navy and the Commanding Officer of the Gorkha Rifles didn’t just observe — they actually joined the troops in firing and jungle drills. Their presence showed strong leadership and the importance of this joint exercise. Other senior military leaders from India also attended, showing the high level of cooperation between the two countries.
Fitness and Culture Together
Apart from combat training, the troops also participated in joint fitness activities like Yoga and AMAR (Army Martial Arts Routine). These sessions included Indian yoga moves like Surya Namaskar, combined with martial arts techniques. These help in improving agility, discipline, and strength.
Another unique part of the training happened at INS Karna, where soldiers practiced mountain warfare. They learned skills like climbing, rappelling, rope work, and setting up temporary base camps in rough terrain.
A Cultural Highlight: Gorkha Dance
To build friendship and share cultures, the Indian troops performed a traditional Gorkha Khukri dance called “Gorkha Fury.” The US troops loved the performance, which celebrated the bravery and traditions of the Gorkhas. This performance helped build a sense of respect and friendship between the two sides.
Moving to the Sea Phase
With all ground training successfully completed, both the Indian and US forces are now moving to the next stage at sea in Kakinada. This Sea Phase will include amphibious landings (landing troops on beaches), joint naval operations, and disaster relief training. The exercise is a step forward in building a strong and reliable partnership between India and the United States, especially in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region. (PR)