- Indian broad-based joint military exercises and strategic defense cooperation in 2025 demonstrate the country’s commitment to regional stability, global security and operational preparedness.
- Recently, between March 18 and 24, 2025, the 23rd edition of the India- France annual naval exercise VARUNA was conducted.
- A total of over 25,000 troops conducted India’s largest-ever tri-service military exercise, TROPEX (Theatre-level Operational Readiness Exercise) 2025, between 15 February and 7 March 2025 in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.
- Bangladesh sent the frigate BNS Abu Bakr and the missile corvette BNS Durjoy, while the Indian Navy deployed the missile corvette INS Kora and the offshore patrol ship INS Sumedha.
India’s Joint Military Exercises and Strategic Defense Cooperation in 2025
In 2025, India made a lot of effort to improve the defense alliance and has conducted a number of quantum military movements with other countries. This is not just a strategy and partnership for training. They reflect the emergence of India as a claim of peace and stability in the world’s security forces, especially in the Indian and Indian-Pacific regions. Thanks to compatibility and strategic improvement, India maintains its position as a major player in international defense.
NAVAL DOMINANCE WITH VARUNA 2025
Recently, between March 18 and 24, 2025, the 23rd edition of the India- France annual naval exercise VARUNA was conducted. By holding the exercise, the two countries also showed their commitment to maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) while reaffirming what is said to be a long-standing defense alliance.
More than 4,000 sailors took part, including destroyers, aircraft carriers, submarines and maritime patrol aircraft. Joint ops, anti-submarine warfare and fleet integration were prioritized, making it easy to swap tactical skill sets. As the Indo-Pacific region assumes greater significance, cooperation between India and France in the naval domain continues apace, with VARUNA being an important part of that engagement.
Other than exercises, France has also played an important role in the upgrading of India’s military capabilities through defence deals, such as in the case of Scorpene-class submarines and Rafale fighter aircraft, which have enhanced India’s capability to operate both in the air and on the sea.
BOLSTERING MARITIME SECURITY WITH BANGLADESH: BONGOSAGAR 25 & CORPAT
From 10 to 13 March 2025, the 25th edition of BONGOSAGAR, along with Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) was conducted in the Bay of Bengal between India and Bangladesh, which focused on maritime surveillance operations, anti-piracy operations and disaster relief assistance.
Bangladesh sent the frigate BNS Abu Bakr and the missile corvette BNS Durjoy, while the Indian Navy deployed the missile corvette INS Kora and the offshore patrol ship INS Sumedha. Testament to the deepening defense cooperation between India and Bangladesh, the exercises are vital for safeguarding maritime commerce routes and discouraging nefarious activity on the waters.
COUNTER-TERRORISM FOCUS WITH KHANJAR XII
The 12th edition of the counter-terrorism and special operations exercise, KHANJAR, between India and Kyrgyzstan, was held in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh, from March 5 to March 9, 2025.
This drill was focused on urban combat, mountain warfare, and hostage rescue missions, which are of growing importance with modern-day security challenges. Indian Army with Special Forces, INSAS rifles, SIG Sauer 716 rifles, UAVs and Kyrgyzstan with AK-74 rifles and armored vehicles. The co-operative exercise enhanced the combat preparedness and strategic défense ties of both the countries.
TRI-SERVICE EXCELLENCE: TROPEX 2025
A total of over 25,000 troops conducted India’s largest-ever tri-service military exercise, TROPEX (Theatre-level Operational Readiness Exercise) 2025, between 15 February and 7 March 2025 in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. Emphasizing amphibious warfare, coastal defence and joint warfare tactics, the exercise utilised assets such as the INS Chennai (destroyer), INS Vikrant (aircraft carrier), Su-30 MKI and Rafale combat aircraft and T-90 tanks. It boosted India’s operational preparedness and joint warfare capabilities.
DESERT WARFARE MASTERY IN DESERT HUNT 2025
Conducted in Rajasthan’s Thar Desert between February 25 and March 1, 2025, the DESERT HUNT 2025 was aimed at testing India’s ability to operate in harsh conditions.
Igloo shelters were also set up for the sheltered accommodation of troops during winter with Indian Army utilizing Arjun Main Battle Tanks (MBT), BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles and Pinaka Rocket Systems IAF involved Apache AH-64 attack helicopters and C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. The exercise included simulating enemy attacks, air-ground coordination, and UAV reconnaissance, enabling India’s forces to maintain a state of readiness to fight under challenging circumstances.
MARITIME COLLABORATION WITH AFRICAN NATIONS: IOS SAGAR & AIKEYME
From March 20 to March 24, 2025, India strengthened its naval partnerships with several African nations by conducting Indian Ocean Ship SAGAR (IOS SAGAR) and AIKEYME exercises.
The Indian Navy has dispatched INS Trikand and INS Shardul to Seychelles, where they have been conducting exercises with the Seychelles’ naval forces, as well as Madagascar and Kenya. Bolstering police and coast guard units can help prevent smuggling and illegal fishing and train officers to participate in international maritime treaties. Over 500 personnel were involved in piracy interoperable operational exercises, search and rescue (SAR), and maritime patrol.
These exercises signal India’s commitment to ensuring regional security and freedom of navigation in the Indian Ocean. IOS SAGAR is deployed by INS Sunayna with the crew of the Friendship Foreign Countries (FFCs) for joint surveillance of EEZs of Tanzania, Mozambique, Mauritius and Seychelles. Turning of Friendly Foreign Country (FFCs) personnel was conducted at Kochi before deployment.
AIKEYME, co-hosted by the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF), was attended by 10 African nations. Harbour Phase included piracy response, VBSS training, and information sharing, while Sea Phase included SAR, small arms firing, and helicopter ops. These exercises reinforce India’s ‘Preferred Security Partner’ role, supporting SAGAR and MAHASAGAR visions for regional security.
CRITICAL MEDEVAC OPERATION AND ADMM-PLUS COUNTER-TERRORISM EXERCISE
In the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Navy and Coast Guard rescued injured crew members from the MV Heilan Star on 21 March 2025 in a crucial Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) operation. INS Vikrant’s Sea King chopper was dispatched after a distress call indicated severe burn injuries on board. Following a challenging winching operation, three of the four injured were evacuated.
At the same time, from 19 March to 21 March 2025, several ASEAN countries participated in the ADMM-Plus Counter-Terrorism Exercise being organized by India to further enhance regional security cooperation and enhance regional responses to the deteriorating threats of terrorism, an international exercise focused on strengthening the cooperative counter-terrorism strategies through joint discussions and training.
More than anything, the ADMM-Plus drill and the MEDEVAC operation demonstrate India’s proactive policy towards regional security and marine safety, its efficient cooperation in counter terrorism and humanitarian assistance efforts.
CONCLUSION
Indian broad-based joint military exercises and strategic defense cooperation in 2025 demonstrate the country’s commitment to regional stability, global security and operational preparedness. Through enhanced defense cooperation with key partners, India has enhanced its defense capabilities across the land, sea and air, helping it meet the requirements of greater interoperability and combat readiness.
From large-scale tri-service drills such as TROPEX 2025 to special counter – terrorism training exercises such as KHANJAR XII and multinational maritime exercises such as VARUNA 2025 and IOS SAGAR, these demonstrate India’s proactive approach towards defense modernization and strategic alignment. They also demonstrate India’s capacity to respond rapidly to emergencies like the MEDEVAC operation, thereby building a stronger foothold in regional security and disaster relief.
Given this, India is gradually widening its military engagements and enhancing the defense infrastructure, in this regard the exercises will play an important role in deciding the future development of Indian Armed Forces which, with emphasis on joint operations, emerging threats and technological advancements, will play an important role in maintaining the security of the maritime trade routes, tackling the security challenges and strengthening the global defense cooperation over the coming years.
References:
- https://indianairforce.nic.in/exercises
- https://www.pib.gov.in/allRel.aspx?reg=3&lang=1
- https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2112430
- https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2111292
- https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2100813
- https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2107177#:~:text=The%20exercise%20involved%20elite%20Para,in%20a%20simulated%20combat%20environment.
- https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2113546
- https://admm.asean.org/index.php/about-admm/about-admm-plus.html
- https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/sites/default/files/drdo-news-documents/NPC22to24Mar2025.pdf
Piyush Anand is a Biotechnology Engineering student at Chandigarh University. His primary interest lies in International Affairs, Defence and Strategy. Views expressed at the author’s own.
Dr Nanda Kishor 
Lakshmi Karlekar & HM Greeshma 
Abhinav Sharma