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Military Exercises of India: India regularly participates in military exercises with other countries to improve defense skills and strengthen international partnerships. These Military Exercises of India help in sharing knowledge, learning new techniques, and enhancing combat readiness for different situations, such as counter-terrorism, disaster relief, and peacekeeping operations.

In 2024-25, India engaged in joint drills with key nations like the United States, the United Kingdom, France, China, and Nepal. Each exercise focuses on specific areas such as tactical operations, naval security, and air force collaboration. For instance, the Malabar exercise strengthens maritime cooperation, while Yudh Abhyas enhances combat preparedness between Indian and US armies. Similarly, Shakti with France focuses on counter-terrorism operations.

These Military Exercises of India not only boost India’s defense capabilities but also promote friendly relations with partner nations. They play a vital role in keeping the country prepared for any future challenges and maintaining peace in the region.

Military Exercises of India 2025

Indian Armed Forces engage in a wide range of military exercises every year, including domestic, bilateral, and multilateral events. These exercises are designed to improve operational efficiency, strengthen strategic partnerships, and enhance interoperability among friendly nations.

Types of Military Exercises of India

India conducts various military exercises to enhance defence capabilities, strengthen international ties, and improve operational readiness. These exercises are categorised into three main types: Domestic, Bilateral, and Multilateral.

1. Domestic Military Exercises

These are conducted within India to improve internal coordination. They can involve collaboration between different branches of the armed forces.

List of Key Domestic Exercises:

• Gandiv Vijay: Army exercise
• Paschim Lehar: Navy exercise
• Vayu Shakti: Air Force exercise
• Vijay Prahar: Army exercise

2. Bilateral Military Exercises

These are conducted between India and one other country to strengthen defense cooperation and share knowledge.

Important Bilateral Exercises:

3. Multilateral Military Exercises

These involve multiple partner nations working together to improve defense strategies and cooperation.

Major Multilateral Exercises:

Major Indian Military Exercises

India conducts joint military exercises to strengthen defense cooperation, improve operational readiness, and foster collaboration with global forces. These exercises span the Army, Navy, and Air Force, covering diverse operational scenarios.

Indian Army Joint Exercises

The Indian Army conducts joint exercises to enhance combat readiness, share expertise, and foster defense cooperation. These drills focus on counter-terrorism, disaster response, and terrain-specific warfare.

Indian Navy Joint Exercises

The Indian Navy participates in international exercises to enhance maritime security, ensure safe trade routes, and conduct search and rescue missions.

Indian Air Force Joint Exercises

The Indian Air Force engages in drills to improve operational readiness, simulate air combat scenarios, and foster collaboration with foreign air forces.

Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Operations

These operations focus on providing aid during natural disasters and emergency situations, showcasing India’s commitment to humanitarian causes.

• Operation Kaveri: Evacuation from Sudan
• Operation Karuna: Aid to Myanmar post-Cyclone Mocha
• Brahmapuram Firefighting Assistance: Support in Kochi, India
• Operation Dost: Earthquake relief in Turkey and Syria
• Operation Ajay: Medical and disaster relief in Israel and Gaza

Joint Military Exercises

India conducts joint military exercises to build interoperability and strengthen defense cooperation with partner nations. These exercises focus on combat strategies, tactical training, and knowledge sharing.

Notable Joint Exercises in 2024-25

1. CINBAX (India – Cambodia): Focuses on counter-terrorism operations and UN peacekeeping strategies.
2. Agni Warrior (XAW-2024) (India – Singapore): Enhances joint artillery operations and firepower planning.
3. Exercise Cyber Suraksha: Aims to develop cybersecurity capabilities among various defense agencies in India.

All Military Exercises of India with Other Countries

Check below a comprehensive list of all Military exercises of India with other countries:

Military Exercises of India with Key Partner Countries

India regularly participates in joint military exercises with various nations to strengthen defense ties, enhance operational readiness, and foster mutual cooperation. Below is a detailed list of major military exercises conducted between India and key international partners.

India-US Military Exercise List

• Tiger Triumph: Focuses on joint operations for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
• Yudh Abhyas: A bilateral army exercise aimed at enhancing combat readiness.
• Vajra Prahar: Special Forces exercise for advanced tactical training.
• Malabar (Multilateral): A significant naval exercise involving India, the US, Japan, and other countries to bolster maritime cooperation.

India-UK Military Exercise List

• AJEYA WARRIOR: Focuses on joint tactical operations and improving defense collaboration.
• KONKAN: A bilateral naval exercise enhancing maritime cooperation.
• INDRADHANUSH: An air force exercise designed to improve interoperability and coordination.

India-France Military Exercise List

• SHAKTI: Tactical drills and counter-terrorism operations to strengthen defense cooperation.
• VARUNA: Naval operations aimed at ensuring maritime security and enhancing collaboration.
• GARUDA: Air force drills to foster interoperability and exchange of best practices.

India-China Military Exercise

• Hand in Hand: A joint exercise focusing on counter-terrorism operations and disaster relief scenarios to promote bilateral understanding.

India-Nepal Military Exercise

• SURYA KIRAN: A bilateral exercise aimed at enhancing defense cooperation and improving interoperability between the two nations’ armed forces.

Military Exercise of India 2025: Maldives Hosts 13th ‘Ekuverin’

India and the Maldives continue to strengthen their bilateral defence ties through the 13th edition of the joint military exercise ‘Ekuverin,’ being hosted by the Maldives from 2nd to 15th February 2025 at the Official Composite Training Center in Maafilaafushi.

Key Highlights

• The inaugural ceremony was attended by Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, Chief of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), and G Balasubramanian, Indian High Commissioner.
• The 12th edition was held at Chaubatia, Uttarakhand, from 11th to 24th June 2023.

About the Ekuverin Exercise

• Initiated in 2009, ‘Ekuverin’ means ‘Friends’ in the Dhivehi language.
• Conducted alternatively in India and the Maldives.
• Aims to enhance counter-insurgency coordination and conduct joint humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
• A platoon-level contingent from both countries participates.

Defence Cooperation between India and the Maldives

India and Maldives have maintained strong defence ties since 1998. The Comprehensive Action Plan for Defence (2016) further solidified this relationship, with regular joint military exercises fostering operational readiness and close collaboration.

Other Key India-Maldives Joint Exercises

This exercise underscores the ongoing defence collaboration and strategic partnership between India and the Maldives.

Benefits of Military Exercises of India

Military exercises strengthen operational capabilities and build international partnerships, contributing to India’s defense readiness.

• Improved Coordination: Helps soldiers from different nations work seamlessly together.
• Knowledge Sharing: Exchange of best practices and technological advancements.
• Stronger Diplomatic Relations: Strengthens defense and political ties between countries.
• Capability Assessment: Identifies and resolves operational challenges.
• Deterrence: Demonstrates military readiness to potential adversaries.

These exercises reflect India’s proactive defense strategy and commitment to international peace and cooperation.

Conclusion

Military exercises play a critical role in strengthening India’s defense capabilities and fostering international cooperation. By participating in these strategic drills, India continues to bolster its military readiness and build strong defense partnerships with countries around the world.

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