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www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know US, Indian Armies Begin Yudh Abhyas 2025 In Alaska S oldiers from the U.S. Army’s 11th Airborne Division and Indian Army officially opened Exercise Yudh Ab- hyas 2025 during a ceremony at FortWainwright, Alaska, Sept. 2, marking the start of two weeks of combined training designed to enhance interoperability, readiness, and cooperation between the two nations’ land forces. The bilateral exercise, now in its 18th iteration, will take place Sept. 1–14 at FortWainwright, the Yukon Training Area and Donnelly Train- ing Area, Alaska. Sponsored by U.S. Army Pacific Command, Yudh Ab- hyas 25 includes U.S. Army Soldiers, primarily from the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment “Bobcats,” 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Arctic) and a comparable Indian Army contingent of the 65th Infan- try Brigade. “Together, we sharpen our skills for peacekeeping, humani- tarian response and combat operations be- cause we know that the challenges of the future will demand coop- eration across borders,” said Col. Christopher Brawley, commander of the 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Arctic), 11th Airborne Division. “When our soldiers trained side by side, we demonstrate to the world that our partner- ship is strong, enduring and prepared to meet any challenge.” Yudh Abhyas, which means “Preparing forWar” in Hindi, began in 2004 as a counterinsurgency training exchange. Over the years, it has evolved to include brigade- level command post exercises and field training exercises focused on conventional, unconventional and hybrid threats, as well as humanitar- ian assistance and disaster relief. This year’s exercise includes a bri- gade combat team command post exercise linked with a bilateral field training exercise. Training events will incorporate artillery live-fire exercises, academic exchanges, cul- tural events and combined tactical operations in Alaska’s challenging terrain and climate. The exercise’s objectives include enhancing bilateral readiness and interoperability, developing coor- dination between brigade and bat- talion staffs, integrating operational enablers, and refining air-to-ground integration doctrine. It also sup- ports U.S. Indo-Pacific Com- mand’s strategy to strengthen re- gional partnerships and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific. “Exercises such as Yudh Abhyas create the ideal environ- ment to test concepts, refined procedures and most impor- tantly, learn from each other’s experience,” said Brigadier Rajeev Sahara, commander of the Indian Army, 65th Infantry Brigade. “I thank our American hosts as the partnership continues to be invaluable to us.” Since its inception, Yudh Abhyas has expanded beyond its original counterinsurgency focus to address modern challenges faced by both nations’ militaries. Recent iterations have included training in high-altitude environ- ments, humanitarian operations, and joint responses to crises such as natural disasters. The exercise also provides opportunities for cultural exchange, sporting events, and professional develop- ment workshops. U.S. and Indian soldiers will work together in planning, execution, and after-action review phases, building mutual understanding and trust at all levels. Yudh Abhyas alter- nates annually between India and the United States. This year the exercise is held in the United States, and next year’s iteration is sched- uled to return to India. For the United States, Alaska offers a strategically significant training ground due to its proximity to key Arctic and Indo-Pacific air and sea corridors. For Indian soldiers, it provides a venue to train in cold-weather conditions with U.S. forces expe- rienced in Arctic operations. The exercise supports U.S. Army Pacific’s five main priori- ties: campaigning, transforma- tion, lethality, partnerships, and people. It also reflects the broader U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership, which includes a series of joint exercises, defense trade initiatives, and personnel exchanges aimed at enhancing combined capabilities. -(This articlewas released by the US Army @army.mil Sept. 2, 2025) By Sgt. 1st Class Ian Morales PHOTOS: U.S.Armyphoto bySgt.1stClass Ian Morales Senior leaders from the Indian Army and U.S. Army’s 11th Airborne Division stand shoulder to shoulder during the opening ceremony of Yudh Abhyas 25 at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, Sept. 2, 2025. Exercise Yudh Abhyas 25 highlights the long-standing defense partnership between the Indian Army and U.S. Army, building joint readiness for future challenges in the Indo-Pacific. U.S. Army Col. Christopher Brawley, commander of the 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Arctic), 11th Airborne Division, speaks during the opening ceremony of Yudh Abhyas 25 at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, Sept. 2, 2025. U.S., Indian Armies Begin Yudh Abhyas 2025 in Alaska. Brigadier Rajiv Sahara, commander of the Indian Army, 65th Infantry Brigade, speaks during the opening ceremony for Yudh Abhyas 25 at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, Sept. 2, 2025. Brigadier Rajiv Sahara, commander of the Indian Army, 65th Infantry Brigade, speaks during the opening cer- emony for Yudh Abhyas 25 at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, Sept. 2, 2025. 18 US˨INDIA September 12, 2025