INDIA'S ASSERTIVE DIPLOMACY

Amidst global strategic uncertainty and instability, the Indian armed forces continue to participate in a wide gamut of joint exercises with various foreign militaries

- JYOTI SINGH

Over the last three months, the Indian military has engaged in a series of intensive bilateral and multilateral exercises with foreign partners, underscoring New Delhi's proactive and calibrated defence diplomacy. These exercises, ranging from high-altitude combat in Alaska to carrier-based naval drills in the Arabian Sea, serve a dual purpose: enhancing the operational readiness and interoperability of Indian armed forces while simultaneously delivering potent strategic signals to regional and global actors. The sheer frequency, scale, and geographic spread of these drills point to India's growing confidence as a net security provider in the Indo-Pacific region and its robust alignment with like-minded nations to address complex geopolitical challenges.

The Indo-Pacific vector

The core of India's recent military engagements lies in consolidating its partnerships with key democratic nations, particularly the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. These exercises are a tangible manifestation of shared visions for a "free and open Indo-Pacific" and a direct response to the region's shifting power dynamics.

The following are some joint exercises carried out by the Indian armed forces

Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2025 (India-USA)

When and where: September 1-14, 2025, in Fort Wainwright and the Yukon Training Area, Alaska, USA.

Focus: High-altitude, cold-weather warfare, command post exercises, live-fire drills, and integrated medical support in extreme climates.

Key participants: A battalion of the Indian Army's Madras Regiment and soldiers of the US Army's 11th Airborne Division.

Strategic Implications: