India, US Armies to Hold Biggest Joint Exercise in Alaska Amid Rising Tensions
New Delhi/Washington: Despite recent tensions over tariffs and diplomatic disputes, India and the United States are preparing to hold their largest-ever joint military exercise next month in Alaska. The 21st edition of the annual bilateral drill, known as ‘Yudh Abhyas’, will begin on September 1 and is expected to showcase enhanced defense cooperation between the two nations.
According to officials, the upcoming edition is set to be the biggest so far, with 400 soldiers from the Indian Army’s Madras Regiment participating — the highest contingent India has ever deployed for the exercise.
Long-Running Tradition of Cooperation
Since 2004, the exercise has been held alternately in India and the United States. Last year, the drills took place at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan’s Thar Desert, while Alaska had previously hosted the exercise before that. The consistent exchanges highlight the long-standing defense partnership between the two democracies.
Diplomatic Friction Over Trade and Mediation
The joint exercise comes at a time of friction between the two countries following Operation Sindoor (7–10 May). US President Donald Trump had claimed credit for halting tensions between India and Pakistan, but New Delhi maintained that the de-escalation was achieved through direct military communication with Pakistan.
Angered by India’s rejection of his claims, Trump announced a 50% tariff on Indian goods, further souring relations. Adding to the strain, Trump invited Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir to the White House, raising eyebrows in New Delhi about Washington’s growing proximity to Islamabad.
Defense Relations Under Scrutiny
Western media has speculated about setbacks in India-US defense ties, including the possible cancellation of a defense deal and the postponement of Defense Minister Rajnath Singh’s planned visit to Washington. However, India’s Ministry of Defense has dismissed these reports as “baseless.”
Despite these tensions, the scale of the upcoming ‘Yudh Abhyas’ in Alaska underscores the strategic importance both nations continue to attach to their military-to-military cooperation.
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