India participated in the Zapad-2025 military exercise. It involved 65 Indian soldiers, 100,000 other troops, nuclear-capable weapons, warships, and heavy artillery. President Putin inspected the exercise, and the US became an observer for the first time.
Zapad-2025: India participated in the Zapad-2025 military exercise organized by Russia and Belarus. According to the Indian Ministry of Defence, 65 Indian soldiers participated in this exercise. This five-day joint exercise took place from September 12 to 16. This move strengthened the long-standing defence ties between India and Russia. India's participation drew international attention and raised concerns in the United States.
Scale of the Exercise
Approximately 100,000 troops participated in the Zapad-2025 exercise. It included nuclear-capable bombers, warships, and heavy artillery. Russian President Vladimir Putin, dressed in military attire, visited the Mulino training ground in Nizhny Novgorod and inspected the active phase of the exercise.
President Putin stated that the exercise was organized to strengthen defence preparedness and counter potential threats. The Kremlin announced that the exercise took place at 41 training sites in Russia and Belarus. It involved 333 aircraft and 247 naval vessels, including submarines.
India's Participation
India's participation garnered global attention, especially at a time when India-US relations are strained over trade and tariff issues. According to the Russian news agency TASS, India's objective is to strengthen "cooperation and mutual trust" with Russia.
Experts believe that India's move could cause concern in the United States. The US considers India a significant counterbalance to China in Asia. In such a scenario, India's participation in a military exercise with Russia raises questions for American policymakers.
US Observation
This time, the US participated as an observer for the first time in the Zapad-2025 exercise. Additionally, task forces from Iran, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Mali also participated.
The presence of US officials coincided with a time when neighbouring Poland shot down a Russian drone that entered its airspace. This is seen as an indication that the US is attempting to improve its relations with Belarus.
Significance of the Exercise
The Zapad-2025 exercise showcased the joint military capabilities of Russia and Belarus. It demonstrated that both countries are fully prepared to face potential threats. The foreign countries involved in the exercise sent a message that they value mutual trust and security partnerships.
Nuclear-capable weapons, warships, and heavy artillery were displayed during this exercise. Russian President Putin himself monitored it by visiting ground-zero.
