The training segment of Exercise Tiger Triumph 2025, conducted by the Indian and US armed forces, has successfully concluded in Visakhapatnam, with the next phase now shifting to the sea in Kakinada. This tri-service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise is designed to enhance interoperability, foster mutual trust, and promote cultural synergy between these two strategic allies. During the harbor phase, participants engaged in rigorous physical conditioning, jungle warfare drills, small arms training, and integrated field craft sessions. Indian soldiers from the 8 Gorkha Infantry Battalion Group, part of the Amphibious Brigade under the Bison Division of the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, collaborated with the US Army’s 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, known as the “Bobcats,” from the 11th Airborne Division, as well as the US Marine Corps’ 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion.
At the Duvvada Firing Range, the troops participated in various exercises, including buddy pair and combat firing, Jungle Lane Shooting, and close-quarter battle drills, all designed to simulate challenging terrain conditions. The tactical training focused on movement, obstacle navigation, combat readiness specific to the terrain, and battlefield medical assistance, which encompassed casualty evacuation procedures. Additionally, the soldiers took part in joint Yoga and Army Martial Arts Routine sessions at the Eastern Fleet Sports Complex, where traditional asanas such as Surya Namaskar were integrated with martial drills to improve agility and combat preparedness. At INS Karna, the training included mountain warfare techniques, covering skills such as knotting, anchoring, constructing rope stretchers, rock climbing, rappelling, and slithering exercises, all crucial for maneuvering in difficult terrains. A cultural highlight of the exercise was the “Gorkha Fury” Khukri dance performance, which celebrated the bravery and heritage of the Gorkhas and received a warm reception from the US participants. The exercise is now set to advance into its maritime phase in Kakinada.
