India Joins Zapad 2025 Military Exercise

Zapad 2025: India’S PARTICIPATION

India participated in the multinational military exercise Zapad 2025, co-hosted by Russia and Belarus, despite concerns raised by several European nations. The exercise was held from September 10–16, 2025, with participation from multiple countries, including NATO members, the US, Turkey, and Hungary.

OBJECTIVES OF THE EXERCISE

• Enhancing cooperation – Strengthen military-to-military cooperation and interoperability.
• skill development – Improve operational readiness through tactical drills, special arms training, and counter-terrorism practices.
• Confidence Building – Reinforce camaraderie and trust between India and Russia.
• Knowledge Exchange – Provide a platform for sharing doctrines, strategies, and combat techniques.

INDIA’S ROLE

• Contingent Strength – 65 personnel (57 from the Indian Army, 7 from the Air Force, and 1 from the Navy).
• Leadership – Army team led by a battalion of the Kumaon Regiment.
• Operations – Focused on joint missions in open and plain terrain, covering both conventional warfare and counter-terrorism.

STRATEGIC SIGNIFICANCE

• India-Russia Defence Ties – Participation deepens traditional defence cooperation despite Western concerns.
• Global Balancing Act – India engages simultaneously with Russia, the US, and NATO members, maintaining strategic autonomy.
• Geopolitical Sensitivity – European countries remain cautious due to Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine and the exercise’s western theatre location.
• Timing – Occurs during a phase of strain in India–US–EU relations, especially regarding India’s continued engagement with Russia.

FAQs

1. What is Zapad 2025?
It is a multilateral joint military exercise hosted by Russia and Belarus, focusing on conventional and counter-terrorism operations.

2. Why did India participate?
To strengthen defence cooperation, improve interoperability, and demonstrate its strategic autonomy in foreign policy.

3. Which Indian forces took part?
A 65-member contingent, primarily from the Army’s Kumaon Regiment, supported by personnel from the Air Force and Navy.

4. Why are European nations concerned?
Because Zapad is viewed as a demonstration of Russian military power in the western theatre, raising fears of escalation in Eastern Europe.

5. How does this affect India’s global positioning?
It signals India’s balancing strategy—maintaining ties with Russia while engaging with Western nations, asserting an independent foreign policy stance.