The ongoing tariff and trade tensions between India and the United States is no secret. President Donald Trump’s sudden hostility toward New Delhi is because of his failure to mediate the India-Pakistan clash in May, US investment firm Jefferies claimed in its latest report. Trump has, however, said the 50% tariffs on India are because of its oil deal with Russia.

Despite the ongoing disturbances, an Indian Army contingent on Monday (September 1, 2025) departed for Fort Wainwright, Alaska, to take part in the 21st edition of the Indo-US Joint Military Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2025. The joint military drill is set to take place from September 1 to 14, 2025.

The team includes soldiers from a battalion of the Madras Regiment, who will train with the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment “Bobcats” of the Arctic Wolves Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division of the US Army.

India-US Yudh Abhyas 2025: What will troops do?

Over the two-week engagement, the armies will practice tactical drills spanning heliborne operations, mountain warfare, casualty evacuation, use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), electronic warfare, artillery and aviation support. The exercises are designed to enhance operational synergy in extreme terrain and weather conditions.

Subject-matter experts will also hold discussions on UAS and Counter-UAS warfare, information operations, communications, and logistics, reflecting the growing complexity of modern battlefields.

The 20th edition of India-USA Joint Military Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2024 took place at Foreign Training Node in Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan. Aim of the joint drills was to enhance joint military capability of both sides to undertake counter terrorism operations.

What about the tariff friction?

This military engagement coincides with strained trade ties between New Delhi and Washington. The US has recently maintained steep tariffs on Indian goods landing in the country. While Trump had declared a 25% levy in late July, around a fortnight later, he raised the tariff to 50%.

What’s the larger significance?

The Yudh Abhyas series has long been a platform for interoperability and preparation for UN peacekeeping missions. This year’s edition gains additional weight, set against the backdrop of geopolitical flux, Indo-Pacific security concerns, and tariff battles. By blending joint live-fire drills in Alaska amid the reality of tariff standoffs, the India-US joint military exercise reflects the layered nature of the ties between the two countries.