The 5th edition of the India-US bilateral tri-service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise 'Tiger Triumph 2026' officially began on Monday with an opening ceremony at the Maritime Warfare Centre (MWC) in Visakhapatnam.

The exercise conducted this year as a discussion-based 'Tabletop Exercise' (TTX), aims to enhance coordination, joint planning, and interoperability between the armed forces of the two countries during large-scale humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. 

The opening ceremony was presided over by Rear Admiral Vishal Bishnoi, Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Fleet, and Rear Admiral Joaquin J. Martinez de Pinillos, Vice Commander, US Pacific Fleet. 

The exercise reflects the growing convergence of strategic maritime interests between India and the United States and the expanding defense partnership between the two countries. This edition aims to further enhance interoperability and facilitate the conduct of joint multi-domain operations. 

It has a special focus on planning and coordinating large-scale humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

The Indian side includes maritime operations experts from the Indian Navy, representatives from various units of the Indian Army and Indian Air Force, and personnel from the three armed forces. An NDRF team will also participate for the first time.

The US joint forces participating in the exercise include expert representatives from various sectors of the US Armed Forces, including the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy, as well as space, cyber, medical, and bomb disposal experts,  the Defence Ministry said.