India, US Launch Military Drill To Fortify Disaster Relief

Visakhapatnam: In a significant move towards strengthening military-to-military relationship, India and the United States on Tuesday formally launched the 4th edition of the bilateral joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) amphibious exercise named 'Tiger Triumph' 2025 here at a ceremonial function onboard the Indian Navy’s INS Jalashwa (L41).

The exercise aims to develop interoperability for conducting HADR operations and for the formulation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to establish a Combined Coordination Centre (CCC) that will enable rapid and smooth coordination between Indian and US Joint Task Forces (JTF) during exercises and crisis/contingencies.

The exercise reflects the deepening convergence of US-India strategic maritime interests and their defense partnership. The present edition is aimed at further enhancement of interoperability and combined joint all-domain operations during large-scale HADR operations, both the navies said after the opening ceremony. The harbour phase of the exercise is being conducted in Visakhapatnam from April 1-7 involving a planning process for the execution of various training events at sea, as well as further refinement of procedures established in previous iterations of Tiger Triumph. In addition, the harbour phase will include training and Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) events on a range of professional subjects, such as special operations, emergency medical response procedures, and operations across the air, maritime, cyber and space domains. According to an official release issued by the Indian Navy, the exchanges will allow the forces of both the countries to continue sharing best practices and building stronger bonds. Sports engagements and visits to sites of cultural importance will also be coordinated to nurture camaraderie and develop personal relationships.

During the sea phase, which will take place from April 8-12, the bilateral forces will work together to train for maritime, amphibious and HADR operations through a Joint Combined Command and Control Center. This phase will conclude with establishment of a joint combined humanitarian relief and medical response camp following an amphibious landing at Kakinada.

Participating units from the Indian Navy include Landing Platform Dock INS Jalashwa with integral landing crafts and helicopters, the Delhi-class guided-missile destroyer INS Mumbai (D62), Magar-class amphibious assault ship INS Gharial (L23), Deepak-class fleet tanker INS Shakti (A57) and PBI Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft, MH60R Helicopters and Hawk Aircraft. The Indian Army will be represented by an Infantry Battalion Group, including Mechanised Forces, and special operations forces from all the three services will also participate in the exercise. Cyber and space specialists will also participate in the exercise. The Indian Air force will demonstrate the capability of C130, Mi-17 V5 and showcase the air portable BHISMA

medical equipment.