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Closing Ceremony - Ex Tiger Triumph 2024

Context

The news highlights the successful conclusion of the Bilateral Tri-Service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise, Tiger Triumph 2024, between India and the US.

Additional information on this news:

• The Bilateral Tri-Service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Amphibious Exercise, Tiger Triumph 2024, concluded with a Closing Ceremony onboard USS Somerset on March 30, 2024.
• The exercise aimed to strengthen the strategic partnership between India and the US, focusing on sharing best practices and Standard Operating Procedures in multinational HADR operations.
• The Harbour Phase took place in Visakhapatnam from March 18 to 25, 2024, featuring pre-sail discussions, Subject Matter Expert Exchange, sports engagements, ship boarding drills, and cross-deck visits.
• A cultural exchange program included celebrating the festival of Holi together on March 25, 2024, showcasing India’s vibrant culture.
• The Sea Phase occurred from March 26 to 30, 2024, involving maritime exercises, troop landings at Kakinada, and establishing a joint Command and Control Centre and a Joint Relief and Medical Camp for HADR operations.
• Cross Deck helicopter operations were conducted off Kakinada and Visakhapatnam, involving UH3H, CH53, and MH60R helicopters from the Indian Navy and the US Navy.
• Participating Indian Navy units included a Landing Platform Dock, Landing Ship Tanks (Large) with integral Landing Crafts and helicopters, a Guided Missile Frigate, and Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft.
• The Indian Army contributed one Infantry Battalion Group with mechanized forces, while the Indian Air Force deployed one medium lift aircraft, transport helicopter, and the Rapid Action Medical Team (RAMT).
• The US Task Force included a US Navy Landing Platform Dock with integral Landing Craft Air Cushions and helicopters, a Destroyer, maritime reconnaissance, and medium lift aircraft, as well as US Marines.
• Special Ops Forces from all three Services conducted combined operations with their US counterparts at Visakhapatnam and Kakinada during the harbour and sea phases, enhancing interoperability and cooperation between the two nations.

India – US Military Cooperation:

India and the United States have developed significant military cooperation over the years, driven by shared strategic interests and growing geopolitical alignment. Here’s an overview of their military cooperation:

• Defense Trade: Both countries engage in robust defence trade, with the United States being one of the largest suppliers of defence equipment to India. Bilateral defence deals include the purchase of advanced military hardware such as aircraft, helicopters, naval vessels, and missile systems.
• Military Exercises: India and the United States regularly conduct joint military exercises to enhance interoperability and cooperation between their armed forces. Exercises like Yudh Abhyas (Army), Malabar (Navy), and Cope India (Air Force) are conducted annually, focusing on diverse scenarios ranging from counterterrorism operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
• Strategic Partnerships: The two nations have forged strategic partnerships in areas such as counterterrorism, cybersecurity, intelligence-sharing, and maritime security. These partnerships aim to address common security challenges and promote regional stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Defense Technology Cooperation: India and the United States collaborate on defence technology development and research through initiatives like the Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI). This cooperation includes joint projects, co-development, and co-production of defence equipment and technology.
• Logistical Support: The signing of foundational agreements like the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) and the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) has facilitated greater logistical support and interoperability between the armed forces of both countries.
• Counterterrorism Cooperation: India and the United States cooperate closely on counterterrorism efforts, sharing intelligence and best practices to combat terrorism and violent extremism. This cooperation extends to joint training exercises, capacity-building programs, and information-sharing mechanisms.
• Regional Security: Both countries collaborate on promoting regional security and stability, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. They share concerns about maritime security, freedom of navigation, and the rise of aggressive regional powers, working together to uphold a rules-based international order.
• Strategic Dialogue: High-level strategic dialogues and consultations between defence and security officials from India and the United States serve as forums for discussing bilateral defence cooperation, addressing security challenges, and charting the course for future collaboration.