India Boosts Military Diplomacy with Tri-Service Drills
Why in News?
Recently, India has ramped up its military diplomacy through a series of high-profile joint exercises, engaging with nations across the globe in back-to-back drills involving all three services.
Key Points
- Yudh Abhyas (India-U.S. Army Exercise) set to begin on 9th September, 2024, in Rajasthan with one of the largest U.S. contingents, including 600 personnel. India is evaluating Stryker vehicles and Javelin ATGMs(Anti-Tank Guided Missiles) for potential procurement.
- Tarang Shakti (Indian Air Force Multilateral Exercise), Phase-II is underway in Jodhpur from 1st September to 14th September, 2024, with 8 participating nations and 17 others observing. The U.S. A-10 Thunderbolt II is flying in Indian airspace for the first time.
- Malabar Naval Exercise Scheduled for October 2024 off Visakhapatnam, featuring India, Australia, Japan, and the U.S. as key participants, enhancing naval cooperation.
- Mitra Shakti exercise with Sri Lanka occurred from 12th - 25th August, 2024. India also participated in the Khaan Quest peacekeeping exercise in Mongolia (27th July - 9th August, 2024) with 23 nations.
- Russian ships visited Kochi in August 2024, while INS Shivalik took part in RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific Exercise) from 27th June - 1st August, 2024. INS Tabar participated in Exercise Varuna with France in September 2024.
- For the first time, India deployed the P-8I maritime patrol aircraft in Europe for Exercise Varuna, enhancing operational presence.
- India participated in Exercise Pitch Black in Australia (12th July - 2nd August, 2024) and Exercise Red Flag hosted by the U.S. in June 2024, strengthening air force cooperation.
Joint Exercises with India:
| Country |
Exercise |
| Australia |
Austra Hindbah |
| Bangladesh |
Sampriti |
| China |
Hand in Hand |
| France |
Shakti |
| Indonesia |
Garuda Shakti |
| Kazakhstan |
Prabal Dostykk |
| Kyrgyzstan |
Khanjar |
| Maldives |
Ekuverin |
| Mongolia |
Nomadic Elephant |
| Myanmar |
Imbex |
| Nepal |
Surya Kiran |
| Oman |
Al Nagah |
| Russia |
Indra |
| Seychelles |
Lamitiye |
| Sri Lanka |
Mitra Shakti |
| Thailand |
Maitree |
| UK |
Ajeya Warrior |
| USA |
Yudhabhayas |
| USA |
Vajra Prahar |
Multilateral Exercises:
| Exercise |
Countries |
| Malabar |
India, USA, Japan, Australia |
| Varuna |
India, France |
| La Perouse |
India, Australia, United States, France, Japan, and United Kingdom |
| Sea Dragon |
India, USA, Japan, Canada, South Korea |
| Konkan |
India, UK |
| Aime & Imdex |
India, Asean Countries |
| Bright Star |
India, 34 Countries |
| Salvex |
India, USA |
| Slinex |
India, Sri Lanka |
| Samudra Shakti |
India, Indonesia |
| Al-Mohed Al-Hindi |
India, Saudi Arabia |
| India - France - UAE Trilateral Exercise |
India, France, UAE |
| India - France - UAE Trilateral Passex |
India, France, UAE |
| Komodo |
India, Multiple (36 Countries) |
| Ausindex |
India, Australia |
| Simbex |
India, Singapore |
