28.5c India
India's military diplomacy has reached new heights, with a flurry of joint exercises involving all three services. Several high-profile exercises involving multiple global powers are now taking place or are planned.
The bilateral India-US Army exercise Yudh Abhyas will begin on September 9, 2024, at the Mahajan field firing ranges in Rajasthan, representing a substantial collaboration between the two nations. At the same time, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is conducting Tarang Shakti, its largest multilateral exercise, with Phase II taking place at Jodhpur. Countries such as the United States, Australia, Japan, and Greece have sent planes, while 17 countries are participating as observers. For the first time, the US deployed its renowned A-10 Thunderbolt and F-16 fighter jets across Indian airspace as part of this exercise.
In addition, the Malabar naval exercise, a significant quadrilateral partnership between India, the United States, Australia, and Japan, will take place in October off the coast of Visakhapatnam. An Indian mechanized infantry regiment will join Russia in the bilateral Indra exercise.
India has also been rapidly strengthening its military links with other countries. The Indian Army recently participated in Mitra Shakti alongside Sri Lanka and dispatched a contingent to the international peacekeeping exercise Khaan Quest in Mongolia. The Indian Navy has recently welcomed Russian naval ships and hosted top naval officers from Russia and Brazil to strengthen maritime relations.
India's current and forthcoming military exercises demonstrate its strategic emphasis on expanding international defence relationships and improving combat preparedness across the Services.