• The Indian armed forces are set to take part in a multilateral exercise from August 28 to September 10.

• The multilateral exercise has been hosted by Egypt in conjunction with the US since 1980, and is among the largest tri-services multilateral exercises in the region.

• The exercise is held biennially, with the previous edition having taken place in 2023.

• This year’s exercise will involve 43 countries, with 13 participating directly through more than 7,900 soldiers and 30 others joining as observers.

• This 19th edition of the exercise will feature a comprehensive spectrum of military activities, including command post exercises to enhance joint planning, decision-making and operational coordination; short training exercises by all three services focusing on varied aspects of modern warfare.

• Subject matter expert interactions on multiple domains of contemporary military operations will also be held.

• More than 700 personnel from the armed forces and the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) are set to participate in the exercise this year. 

• It will include live firing by the three services showcasing the operational capabilities of the Indian Army, the Navy and the Air Force.

• Participation of the Indian armed forces in exercise ‘Bright Star’ underscores India’s commitment to regional peace, stability, and security while enhancing jointness, interoperability and cooperation with friendly foreign countries.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)