India to participate in military exercise ‘Zapad’ in Russia

• India will participate in a multilateral joint military exercise in Russia from September 10 to 16.

• A contingent of the Indian Armed Forces, comprising 65 personnel departed for Russia to participate in ‘Exercise Zapad’ to be held at Mulino Training Ground, Nizhniy.

• The contingent includes 57 Indian Army personnel along with seven personnel from the Indian Air Force and one from the Indian Navy.

• The Indian Army contingent is being led by a battalion of the Kumaon Regiment along with troops from other arms and services.

• The multilateral exercise is aimed at enhancing military cooperation, improving interoperability, and providing a platform for participating armies to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures in the domains of conventional warfare and counter-terrorism operations.

• It will focus on joint company-level operations in open and plain terrain, with troops undertaking missions ranging from joint planning, tactical drills, and special arms skills.

• The exercise will offer a valuable opportunity to hone joint operational capabilities, integrate emerging technologies, and operate in a multinational combat environment.

• Participation in ‘Exercise Zapad 2025’ will further strengthen defence cooperation and foster camaraderie between India and Russia, thereby reinforcing the spirit of collaboration and mutual trust.

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