India's balancing act: Tiff with US, strategic outreach towards Russia but joint drills with both

Amidst a trade war with the US over levy of heavy tariffs on Indian goods and a strategic outreach towards Russia, Indian troops have proceeded to both countries, which happen to be arch rivals, for joint military exercises.

An Indian Armed Forces contingent comprising 65 personnel departed for the Mulino Training Ground at Nizhniy in Russia on September 9, to participate in ZAPAD – 2025, a multilateral military exercise being conducted from September 10-16.

An Indian Army contingent is already at Fort Wainwright in Alaska, USA, to participate in the 21st edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas – 20025, an India – US joint military drill being held from September 1 to 14.

There are various joint military exercises held with both countries, with which India has had strong bilateral relations. While India – Russia relations have been historically deep-rooted, with the bulk of India’s military equipment being of Soviet / Russian origin, military ties with the US began developing in the early years of this century and moved on to a strategic level involving weapon sales as well as drills.

Relations with the US, however, deteriorated over the past few months over tariffs. During this period, Prime Minister Modi proceeded to Beijing to attend the SCO summit, where he met Russian President Vladimir Putin as well as Chinese President Xi Jinping. The visit, the first in seven years, as well as positive statements from China, was widely seen as reaching out to Russia and China to counter the challenge from the US.

The Indian contingent proceeding to Russia comprises 57 Indian Army personnel along with seven personnel from the Indian Air Force and one from the Indian Navy. The Indian Army contingent is being led by a battalion of the Kumaon Regiment along with troops from other arms and services.

ZAPAD 2025 is aimed at enhancing military cooperation, improving interoperability and providing a platform for participating armies to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures in the domains of conventional warfare and counter-terrorism operations.

The exercise will focus on joint company level operations in open and plain terrain, wherein troops will undertake missions ranging from joint planning, tactical drills, and special arms skills. It will offer a valuable opportunity to hone joint operational capabilities, integrate emerging technologies, and operate in a multinational combat environment.

On the other hand, the Indian contingent in the US comprises personnel from a battalion of the Madras Regiment, will train alongside US soldiers from its 11th Airborne Division involving a spectrum of tactical drills, including heliborne operations, employment of surveillance resources and unmanned aerial systems, rock craft, mountain warfare, casualty evacuation, combat medical aid and the integrated use of artillery, aviation and electronic warfare systems.

In addition, subject-matter experts from both armies will conduct working groups on critical domains such as UAS and Counter-UAS operations, information warfare, communications and logistics, execute tactical manoeuvres and conduct live firing.

Statements issued by the Ministry of Defence in regard to these drills state that such activities will further strengthen defence cooperation and foster camaraderie between India and the other two countries, improve capabilities and enhance preparedness for multi-domain challenges.

Indra Navy, Vostok, Monsoon, Avia Indra and SCO Peace Mission are other joint exercises that India undertakes with Russia, where as Tiger Triumph, Malabar, Vajra Prahar, Tarkash, Sea Dragon, Red Flag and Cope India form the basket of other bilateral or multilateral exercises held periodically with the US and its allies.