Multiple military branches from both countries are taking part in this exercise
In a display of deepening military cooperation, the United States and India embarked on their largest joint amphibious drill to date during the ongoing joint Exercise Tiger Triumph 2024. 

This underlines the strengthening ties between Washington and New Delhi amidst an increasingly assertive China and challenges in the Red Sea region.

The comprehensive bilateral tri-service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise, being held from March 18-31, 2024 on the Eastern Seaboard of India, highlights the growing defense, security, and diplomatic relations between the two nations.

The initial harbour phase was hosted in Visakhapatnam from March 18 to 25, setting the stage for planning, collaboration, and preparation. This phase involves a series of training visits, expert exchanges, and community-building activities such as sports events and social interactions.

Following this, the sea phase moved to Kakinada, where the forces are engaging in dynamic maritime, amphibious, and HADR operations, responding to "injected situations" that mimic real-life disaster scenarios in a friendly island nation.

A part of the exercise was hosted on the deck of the Indian amphibious ship INS Jalashwa, with a collaborative effort in enhancing humanitarian and disaster relief operations—a need reflected by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and Tsunami.

Multifaceted Military Engagement

Initiated in 2019, the exercise is distinctive for its comprehensive approach, bringing together multiple military branches from both countries, thereby making it the most complex drill conducted between the two allies. It involves the participation of Navy and Marine Corps from the US side with the USS Somerset and USS Halsey among the key assets, alongside elements from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and a P-8A Poseidon aircraft. 

The Indian contingent incorporates forces across all military branches, showcasing capabilities through vessels like INS Jalashwa and INS Kesari, and various air and ground forces.

Tiger Triumph 2024 is geared towards fostering interoperability and joint operational capabilities between the U.S. and Indian forces as well. This is evident from the diverse activities ranging from strategic planning and goodwill activities in Visakhapatnam to the bilateral deployment of command and control centers and joint relief camps. The exercise aims to achieve a free and open Indo-Pacific, with additional emphasis on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

This exercise marks a significant milestone in U.S.-Indian defense relations, as highlighted by U.S. Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, calling India a "close friend." It reflects on the increasing complexity of U.S.-Indian military drills and the emphasis on creating interoperability between the two forces. The collaboration extends beyond exercises, with India considering the acquisition of American equipment to enhance its surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities, indicative of a broader strategic partnership.

Tiger Triumph 2024 adjoins the commitment of both nations to promote peace, security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific region with their strategic partnership. By conducting such extensive and complex exercises, both nations reinforce their defense ties but and demonstrates their readiness to jointly address regional and global challenges, ensuring a safer and more secure world.