The Opening Ceremony of the Bilateral Tri-Service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Amphibious Exercise between India and US, Tiger Triumph, was recently held onboard INS Jalashwa.

The Exercise represented the robust strategic partnership between both countries and aims to share best practices and Standard Operating Procedures in undertaking multinational HADR operations.

The Harbour Phase of the exercise was conducted at Visakhapatnam from 18 to 25 Mar 24 and included pre-sail discussions, Subject Matter Expert Exchange on professional subjects and deliberations on planning and execution procedures of various tasks.

Sports engagements were also held to further enhance camaraderie between the participating armed forces personnel of both nations.

The Sea phase was held from 26 to 31 Mar 24 and included units of both countries setting up a joint Command and Control Centre and a Joint Relief and Medical Camp.

A Planning and Coordination Exercise was undertaken to discuss and refine a Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to enable rapid and smooth coordination between forces of both countries.

The participating units from the Indian Navy included a Landing Platform Dock, Landing Ship Tanks (Large) including their integral Landing Crafts and helicopters, guided missile Frigate and Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft. 

The Indian Army would be represented by one infantry battalion group including mechanised forces. 

The Indian Air Force would deploy medium lift aircraft, transport helicopters and a Rapid Action Medical Team (RAMT). 

Additionally, the Special Ops Forces from all the three services will also participate in the exercise.

The US Task Force comprised of a US Navy Landing Platform Dock including its integral Landing Craft Air Cushions and helicopters, a Destroyer, maritime reconnaissance and medium lift aircraft, and also, US Marines.