Despite the persistent tariff disputes between India and the United States, the military forces of both nations continue to engage in regular joint exercises, which have been a hallmark of their defense collaboration for the past twenty years.
In the most recent drill, the Indian Navy’s guided-missile destroyer INS Imphal performed a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) alongside the US Navy’s Arleigh-Burke class destroyer USS Gridley in the Arabian Sea on Monday, September 29, 2025, according to an official statement.
The exercise encompassed tactical maneuvers, cross-deck flying, anti-piracy VBSS (Visit, Board, Search and Seizure) training, and the exchange of best practices and operational procedures aimed at enhancing interoperability between the two navies.
“The exercise encompassed tactical maneuvers, cross-deck flying, anti-piracy VBSS (visit, board, search and seizure) training, and the sharing of best practices and procedures to bolster interoperability. It highlights the efforts to reinforce maritime cooperation between the two countries,” stated Navy spokesperson Captain Vivek Madhwal on Tuesday.
Earlier this month, more than 450 Indian soldiers took part in high-altitude combat drills with their US counterparts during the Yudh Abhyas exercise at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, from September 1 to 14.
Looking forward, India, the US, Australia, and Japan are preparing for the significant Malabar naval exercise off the coast of Guam in the Western Pacific in November. Initially a bilateral exercise between India and the US in 1992, Malabar now involves all Quad nations, with China’s assertive actions in the Indo-Pacific being a primary concern.
