In a significant display of cooperation and strategic partnership, India and the United States recently concluded a bilateral tri-service exercise named “Tiger Triumph-24.” This 14-day exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability, refining standard operating procedures, and strengthening coordination between the armed forces of both nations. Let’s delve into the details of this remarkable joint endeavor.
Key Objectives
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR):
- The primary focus of Tiger Triumph-24 was to develop interoperability for conducting HADR operations.
- Both countries aimed to share best practices and standard operating procedures in handling disaster relief scenarios.
Cultural Exchange:
- Personnel from both navies celebrated the festival of Holi together as part of the cultural exchange program.
- Such interactions foster understanding and camaraderie between the forces.
Phases of the Exercise
Harbor Phase (Visakhapatnam):
- Conducted from March 18 to March 25 in Visakhapatnam.
- Included pre-sail discussions, subject-matter expert exchanges, sports engagements, shipboarding drills, and cross-deck visits.
Sea Phase (Off Kakinada):
- Conducted from March 26 to March 30.
- Units from both countries undertook maritime exercises.
- Cross-deck helicopter operations involving UH3H, CH53, and MH60R helicopters were also performed.
Joint Relief and Medical Camp:
- Troops landed at Kakinada for setting up a joint command and control center and a joint relief and medical camp.
- This phase demonstrated rapid coordination and efficient response capabilities.
Participating Units
- Indian Navy:
- Landing platform dock, landing ship tanks (large), integral landing crafts, and helicopters.
- Guided missile frigate and long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft.
- Indian Army:
- One Infantry Battalion Group, including mechanized forces.
- Indian Air Force:
- Deployed one medium-lift aircraft, transport helicopter, and the Rapid Action Medical Team (RAMT).
Strategic Significance
- Tiger Triumph-24 signifies the robust strategic partnership between India and the US.
- It reinforces the commitment to regional security, disaster response, and humanitarian aid.
Tiger Triumph-24 exemplifies the shared commitment of India and the US to maintaining peace, responding swiftly to crises, and fostering cooperation across military domains. As both nations continue to strengthen their ties, exercises like these pave the way for a safer and more resilient world. 🏴🇺🇸🤝🏼🇮🇳