India-US joint exercise concludes in Alaska: ‘Hallmark of growing military interaction’

The exercise was underway when the first visible signs of a thaw in the India-US bilateral chill came earlier this month, with US President Donald Trump saying the two countries have a “special relationship” and “there is nothing to worry about”. In his response, PM Narendra Modi had said he “deeply appreciated” and “fully” reciprocated Trump’s sentiments and positive assessment of bilateral ties.

In a statement, the Indian Embassy in the US said the exercise saw command post exercises where Indian and US officers worked side by side on operational planning, command and control, and coordination across brigade and battalion levels.

“This was followed by field training in challenging sub-Arctic terrain, including drills and maneuvers, specialist training such as sniper and recce, counter IED training and laying of obstacles and demolitions,” it said.

In the final phase, combined tactical operations and validation drills were executed in adverse weather conditions. “Infantry units, artillery, aviation, electronic warfare and counter-drone systems were employed under joint command and control,” it said, adding that this phase also included a Distinguished Visitor Day on September 11, where observers witnessed live-fire maneuvers and combined operations.

“Senior officers from both sides expressed satisfaction at the teams operating together, and on each other’s equipment, towards fulfillment of assigned real-world tasks,” it said.