Context: 

India is hosting the 4^th edition of the bilateral India-US Tri-Service joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) amphibious exercise TIGER TRIUMPH.

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The exercise Tiger TRIUMPH 2025 is being held onboard on the Indian Navy’s INS Jalashwa (L41).

The Harbour phase of the exercise is being conducted at Visakhapatnam from 01 to 07 Apr 25, which is followed by the sea phase at Kakinada from 8 to 12 April 2025. 

The Harbour phase will include training and Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) events on a range of professional subjects, such as special operations, emergency medical response procedures, and operations across the air, maritime, cyber and space domains.

During the sea phase, the bilateral forces will work together to train for maritime, amphibious and HADR operations through a Joint Combined Command and Control Center.

Participating units from the Indian Navy include Landing Platform Dock INS Jalashwa with integral landing crafts and helicopters, the Delhi-class guided-missile destroyer INS Mumbai (D62), Magar-class amphibious assault ship, Deepak-class fleet tanker INS Shakti (A57), PBI Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft, MH60R Helicopters and Hawk Aircraft.

The Indian Air Force will demonstrate the capability of C130, Mi-17 V5 and showcase the air portable BHISMA medical equipment.

This year's highlight was the participation of the infantry battalion group of the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, representing the Indian Army, as part of the amphibious brigade of the Bison division. 

• This formation is expected to play a crucial role in amphibious operations, disaster response drills and coordination exercises. 

INS Jalashwa and USS Comstock will participate in the exercise, supporting joint amphibious landings and logistics operations. These platforms, along with other tri-service elements from both nations, will play a key role in simulating HADR scenarios.

The first exercise was announced by the US President in 2019 at the Howdy Modi event in Houston, USA.

Other joint exercises between India and the U.S. include Yudh Abhyas (military), Cope India (air) and Vajra Prahar. 

Significance of the Exercise

• Exercise strengthens bilateral ties, enhance interoperability in HADR operations, and promotes regional stability, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. 
• The exercise reflects the deepening convergence of U.S.-India strategic maritime interests and the countries’ defense partnership.