The fifth edition of Exercise Tiger Triumph, the bilateral tri-service humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) exercise between India and the United States, has concluded in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, the Indian Navy said on Friday, November 6.

Source: IANS via hi INDiA

Conducted from October 31 to November 5, the exercise comprised a Staff Exercise (STAFFEX) and a Tabletop Exercise (TTX), with personnel from the armed forces of both countries participating, according to a Ministry of Defence statement. The closing ceremony was attended by Rear Admiral Vishal Bishnoi, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet of the Indian Navy, and Rear Admiral Joaquin J. Martinez de Pinillos, Vice Commander of the US Pacific Fleet, along with senior officers and dignitaries from both sides.

Source: Ministry of Defence via India Strategic

Planning, cyber and medical exchanges

"The exercise featured integrated operational planning, SME interactions on cyber space and medical operations, and a Tabletop Exercise, enhancing coordination for combined HADR operations with a focus on joint amphibious operations," the Indian Navy posted on X on Friday. The format was aimed at enhancing coordination, joint planning and interoperability between the two forces during large-scale HADR operations, the Ministry of Defence said.

Source: IANS via hi INDiA

Rear Admiral Martinez de Pinillos described Tiger Triumph as representing "the growing strength, sophistication, and shared commitment of the U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership", while Rear Admiral Bishnoi said the two countries share "a strong and enduring partnership, built on mutual trust, professional respect and an expanding range of defence engagements", ANI reported. Visakhapatnam, home to the Eastern Naval Command, has hosted all five editions of the exercise since 2019.

Source: ANI via Indian Economic Observer