India-US Forces Complete Land Training, Launch Sea Operations

Photo: Eastern Navy Command

VISAKHAPATNAM (ANI)- Indian and US armed forces concluded the training phase of Exercise Tiger Triumph 2025 in Visakhapatnam, moving on to the sea phase in Kakinada.

This tri-service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise aims to strengthen interoperability, mutual trust, and cultural synergy between the two strategic partners.

The harbor phase included intense physical conditioning, jungle warfare drills, small arms training, and integrated field craft sessions. Indian troops from the 8 Gorkha Infantry Battalion Group (Amphibious Brigade, Bison Division under the Sudarshan Chakra Corps) trained alongside the US Army’s 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment (“Bobcats”) of the 11th Airborne Division and the US Marine Corps’ 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion.

At the Duvvada Firing Range, participants conducted buddy pair and combat firing, Jungle Lane Shooting, and close-quarter battle drills in simulated dense terrain conditions. Tactical training emphasized movement, obstacle navigation, terrain-specific combat readiness, and battlefield medical aid, including casualty evacuation procedures.

The troops also engaged in joint Yoga and Army Martial Arts Routine sessions at the Eastern Fleet Sports Complex, blending traditional asanas like Surya Namaskar with martial drills to enhance agility and combat readiness.

At INS Karna, mountain warfare training included knotting, anchoring, rope-stretcher construction, rock climbing, rappelling, and slithering exercises—essential for vertical mobility in rugged terrains.

A cultural highlight was the “Gorkha Fury” Khukri dance performance, which showcased the valor and tradition of the Gorkhas and was warmly received by the US contingent.

The exercise now progresses to its sea phase in Kakinada.