India's bilateral military exercises constitute a critical component of its strategic engagement framework, designed to enhance interoperability, foster defense cooperation, and address evolving security challenges. These exercises are meticulously planned and executed, reflecting India's commitment to maintaining a robust and adaptable defense posture.
Important Bilateral Exercises:
United States:
Yudh Abhyas :
Focuses on joint training for counterterrorism and high-altitude warfare.
Vajra Prahar :
Special forces exercises emphasizing interoperability in counterterrorism operations.
Cope India :
Air force exercises designed to enhance tactical proficiency and air combat capabilities.
SALVEX :
Naval exercises, focused on salvage and Explosive Ordnance Disposal.
France:
Varuna:
This is a bilateral naval exercise between the Indian Navy and the French Navy.
It focuses on enhancing maritime cooperation and interoperability.
It covers a wide range of naval operations, including anti-submarine warfare, air defense, and surface warfare.
Garuda:
This is a bilateral air force exercise between the Indian Air Force and the French Air and Space Force.
It aims to improve air combat skills and enhance interoperability between the two air forces.
Shakti:
This is a bilateral army exercise between the Indian Army and the French Army.
It focuses on counter-terrorism operations and enhancing tactical cooperation.
It is held alternately in India and France.
FRINJEX:
This is another Army excercise, that focuses on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations.
Russia:
Exercise Indra :
Tri-service exercises designed to enhance interoperability and strategic cooperation.
Japan:
Dharma Guardian:
This is a joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.
It focuses on enhancing interoperability in joint urban warfare and counter-terrorism operations.
The exercise is conducted alternately in India and Japan.
As of late february of 2025, the 6th edition of the exercise is taking place in East Fuji, Japan.
Veer Guardian:
This is a joint air exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).
It involves aerial combat drills and enhances air defense cooperation.
This exercise marks a significant step in strengthening air force cooperation between the two nations.
JIMEX (Japan-India Maritime Exercise):
This is a bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
It aims to enhance interoperability and cooperation in maritime operations.
Australia:
AUSTRA HIND :
This is a joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the Australian Army.
It's an annual event that alternates between India and Australia.
The exercise focuses on enhancing military capabilities and interoperability in joint operations.
It emphasizes tactical operations in various terrains, including semi-urban and semi-desert environments.
It is designed to increase cooperation, and strengthen the already strong bond between the two nations.
For example, in november of 2024, the exercise was held in Pune, India.
AUSINDEX :
Naval exercises focused on increasing maritime cooperation.
Sri Lanka:
Mitra Shakti :
Joint exercises focusing on counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations.
Bangladesh:
Sampriti:
This is a bilateral joint military exercise conducted between the Indian Army and the Bangladesh Army.
It is designed to strengthen and broaden interoperability and cooperation between the two armies.
The exercise focuses on enhancing mutual understanding, sharing best practices, and conducting joint operations, particularly in counter-terrorism and disaster management.
Nepal:
Surya Kiran:
This is a bilateral joint military exercise conducted annually between the Indian Army and the Nepali Army.
It is held alternately in India and Nepal.
The exercise focuses on enhancing interoperability in jungle warfare, counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrain, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) under a United Nations mandate.
It's designed to strengthen defense cooperation and bilateral relations between the two countries.
For example, in early 2025, the 18th edition of the exercise was held in Saljhandi, Nepal.
Central Asian Nations:
Prabal Dostyk (Kazakhstan):
Joint exercises focusing on high-altitude warfare.
Khanjar (Kyrgyzstan):
Joint exercises focusing on high-altitude warfare.
Indonesia:
Garuda Shakti:
This is a joint special forces exercise between the Indian Army and the Indonesian Army.
It focuses on counter-terrorism operations and enhancing tactical skills.
The exercise involves discussions and rehearsals of tactical military drills.
For example, in november of 2024, the 9th edition of the exercise was held.
Samudra Shakti:
This is a bilateral naval exercise between the Indian Navy and the Indonesian Navy.
It aims to enhance interoperability, jointness, and mutual cooperation between the two navies.
The exercise includes various naval operations, such as weapon firing, helicopter operations, anti-submarine warfare, and air defense exercises.
It also involves harbour phases that include cross deck visits, and professional interactions.
With Middle Eastern Countries
Exercise Desert Eagle (UAE)
Exercise Al Nagah (Oman)
Focus: Joint counter-insurgency drills.
With African Nations
Exercise AFINDEX (Africa-India Field Training)
Singapore
SIMBEX:
Type: Naval
Focus: Anti-submarine warfare, maritime interdiction.
Thailand:
Exercise MAITREE:
This is a joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the Royal Thailand Army.
It focuses on enhancing military cooperation and interoperability between the two armies.
The exercise emphasizes joint counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, particularly in jungle and urban environments.
It is conducted with the aim of strengthening defense cooperation and bilateral relations.
It is conducted under the United Nations charter.
For example, in july of 2024, the 13th edition of the exercise was held in Tak Province, Thailand.
This exercise is important for both nations as they work together to address common security challenges in the region
Significance:
These exercises are crucial for enhancing interoperability between the armed forces of different nations. They also serve to strengthen strategic partnerships and promote regional stability.These exercises serve multiple strategic objectives:
The evolving nature of these exercises reflects India's proactive approach to adapting its defense strategy to the dynamic geopolitical landscape.
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