Major Military Exercises of India | 10 Jul 2024

Source: PIB

Why in News?

Recently, the 16th edition of India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT commenced at Foreign Training Node, Umroi (Meghalaya).

What are the Major Joint Exercises Conducted by the Indian Army?

• About:
  • Joint Exercises are the flagship events of defence cooperation showcasing the Indian Army's professional competence in various operational scenarios and providing an opportunity for the participants to learn best practices. 
  • The scope of joint exercises is realistic and diversified including Counter Terrorist operations, Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief, UN Peacekeeping, High Altitude operations, Desert Warfare, Urban Warfare, and Jungle Warfare. 
  • The complexity of scope is increased by adding the latest practices in warfighting and realistic situations like Drone Warfare, Grey Zone Warfare, etc.
• Joint Exercises:

What are the Joint Exercises Conducted by the Indian Navy?

• Joint Exercises:

• Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) & Search and Rescue (SAR) Operations:

What are the Major Exercises Conducted by the Air Force?

• Joint Exercises:

• Integrated Exercises With Sister Services:

• Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief:

What are the Advantages of the Military Exercises?

• Enhanced Interoperability: Exercises foster the development of shared tactical languages and cultural understanding between soldiers. Successful multinational operations rely not just on technical compatibility but on cohesive teams that can anticipate and adapt to each other's actions.

• Knowledge Exchange: Exercises like NATO's Defender series have fostered a "Collaborative Innovation Environment" where militaries co-develop solutions to real-world problems. This fosters a culture of joint creativity and speeds up technological advancements.

• Diplomatic Relations: Military exercises serve as a form of defence diplomacy, strengthening political ties between participating nations. 

  • For example, the Malabar naval exercises have not only improved interoperability but also served as a confidence-building measure, signaling a united front against regional challenges.

• Capability Assessment: Exercises can reveal underlying structural issues within militaries. 

  • A 2022 RAND Corporation report highlights how a recent US-allied exercise exposed communication gaps between special operation forces and conventional units leading to a significant restructuring of communication protocols within the US military.

• Deterrence: Joint exercises signal military readiness and alliance strength to potential adversaries. 

  • For example, the Russo-Belarusian exercises preceding the invasion of Ukraine not only showcased military might but also served as a form of psychological warfare, potentially intended to intimidate Ukraine and the West.

• Humanitarian Assistance Preparation: Many exercises now incorporate real-world complexities like civilian participation and media presence. 

  • The UN's 2023 World Humanitarian Data Report emphasises the need for improved interagency coordination during humanitarian crises. Exercises that involve civilian aid organisations can bridge these gaps.