Kakinada Beach, India. (April 11, 2025): In this photo by Air Force Staff Sergeant Aaron Irvin, Indian soldiers simulate securing a beach as a U.S. Navy air-cushioned landing craft arrive during a large-scale amphibious landing drill. The maneuvers were part of Exercise Tiger Triumph, a joint exercise focused on humanitarian assistance and disaster response readiness involving U.S. and Indian troops.

The exercise aims to enhance interoperability between American and Indian military equipment and tactics and to improve mutual understanding. In particular, both countries exercised their ability to cooperate in humanitarian emergencies. The amphibious landing drill on the beaches of Kakinada last Friday was to simulate moving humanitarian relief forces from ships to shore. Marine Corps LAV-25s and Indian Army BMP-2s practiced securing the beachhead while U.S. Air Force C-130s practiced supply drops. Meanwhile, ground elements prepared a field hospital and supply point for the humanitarian efforts. 

The Indian Army’s 91st Infantry Brigade and the U.S. Army’s Alaskan-based 11th Airborne Division held live fire exercises and subject matter exchanges with local industry and defense officials. On the water, the Indian Navy’s INS Jalashwa maneuvered with the USS Comstock to hone their search and rescue skills. Tiger Triumph also included the U.S. and Indian Space Forces who collaborated on joint space operations.

For the past twenty years, the U.S. has become a major supplier of defense equipment to India and her largest exercise partner in the region. India is also part of the “quad” strategic partnership with the U.S., Japan, and Australia to counter Chinese aggression.