India Boosts Military Diplomacy with Tri-Service Drills | 09 Sep 2024

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 9^th 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 12^th - 25^th August, 2024. India also participated in the Khaan Quest peacekeeping exercise in Mongolia (27^th July - 9^th 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 (12^th July - 2^nd August, 2024) and Exercise Red Flag hosted by the U.S. in June 2024, strengthening air force cooperation.