(Image source from: Defence Aviation Post)

President Donald Trump while addressing the gathering at ‘Howdy Modi!’ event in Houston said in November the United States and India will hold the first-ever tri-service military exercise between two nations called 'Tiger Triumph’ at Visakhapatnam and Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh in November this year.  

                        (Image source from: The Economic Times)

The first tri-services amphibious exercise between the two countries will witness the participation of U.S.’s Marine Corps, armored vehicles, India’s three defense forces including helicopters, an infantry unit and ships to transport men and supplies to shores.

It is also likely to see the participation of a special forces reconnaissance team of the United States.  

Organized under the aegis of the headquarters of the Integrated Defence Staff, the focus of the drill will be on Humanitarian Disaster and Relief (HADR) operations.

During the conference attended by delegates from the U.S. Navy and the Marine Corps and representatives from the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, participants had a discussion on the planning of the exercise and interactions on issues accompanying the conduct of the exercise.

                       (Image source from: Twitter/ANI)

According to officials, the harbor phase of the exercise will be held in Visakhapatnam from November 13 to 16. Whereas, the second phase of the drill will be held in Kakinada from November 17 to 21.

The battalion will have a strength of about 300 to 400 troops.

Landing Platform Dock (LPD), currently operated by several navies, INS Jalashwa, which can carry out beaching operations and also carry helicopters will participate in the drill. According to officials, a survey vessel will also take part.  

A marine rifle company ‘mechanised’ consisting of 60 troops, infantry combat vehicles, a medical regulatory team, and a command element will be taking part.

India Navy’s Eastern Fleet commander will be the overall force commander. He will have a U.S. Marine Corps officer attached with him.

The IAF will be giving a presentation to the United States component on HADR operations. The U.S. will present its rescue and relief efforts during the 2015 Nepal earthquake and an earthquake in Indonesia last year.

For the first time, the United States and India will be carrying out the tri-service military exercise. India earlier conducted such tri-service exercise with Russia.

By Sowmya Sangam