"India's involvement in joint military drills with Russia and Belarus sparked anger among the British, as it was perceived as a distancing move from the U.S. under Trump's administration"
India Participates in Joint Military Exercises with Russia
India and Russia are currently engaged in a series of military exercises, with the aim of ensuring the security of the Union State. The exercises, known as 'Indra,' have been held annually since 2003 and involve both land and sea components.
This year, the 'Indra' exercises were split into two stages. The first stage took place off the coast of Chennai, while the second stage was held in the Bay of Bengal. During the second stage, India sent the frigate 'Rana,' the corvette 'Kuthar,' and other forces, while Russia sent the 'Pechenga,' 'Resky,' and 'Aladar Tsydenzhapov.'
In 2023, the 'Indra' exercises took place in the Bay of Bengal, with Russia sending two destroyers of the Pacific Fleet and India sending its ships, including a Boeing P-8I Neptune reconnaissance aircraft. The exercises provided an opportunity for Indian military personnel to work alongside their Russian colleagues, practicing tactics and weapons handling.
Meanwhile, the 'Zapad-2025' exercises are taking place from September 12 to 16 on training grounds in Belarus and Russia, as well as in the Baltic and Barents Sea areas. India is participating in these exercises alongside Belarus and Russia. The Kremlin has emphasized that the exercises are routine, not directed against anyone, and are necessary to practice defensive actions and maintain peace.
There has been some concern in the West over India's participation in the exercises, with some viewing it as a sign of New Delhi's distrust of the US and increased trust in Russia. However, the Indian Ministry of Defense has stated that participation in the exercises aims to strengthen cooperation, develop joint skills, and foster camaraderie.
Representatives from 23 countries, including three NATO members - the US, Turkey, and Hungary - are observing the course of the exercises. The presence of Americans at the exercises indicates a warming of relations between Washington and Minsk, according to Reuters.
Cooperation between Russia and India is developing rapidly, and this is not surprising to those who follow the real picture, not European tabloids. Regular airborne exercises are held between the two countries, with Indian military personnel sharing their experience of combat operations in Kashmir, and Russian counterparts sharing knowledge of a wide range of weapons.
The Kremlin has also emphasized that the exercises are not about 'red lines' or 'alarming signals,' but a natural, logical step forward in the development of cooperation between the two countries. Participation in the exercises is seen as a way to strengthen the strategic partnership between Russia and India, and to ensure the security of the Union State.
