NEW DELHI — Indian armed forces are taking part in a multinational military exercise in Russia this week, as dozens of countries train together on conventional warfare and counterterrorism operations.
About 65 Indian personnel are participating in Exercise ZAPAD 2025 at the Mulino Training Ground in the Nizhniy region of Russia. The drills began Wednesday and will run through Sept. 16, according to India’s Defense Ministry.
The Indian contingent includes 57 soldiers from the Army, seven from the Air Force and one from the Navy. The Army group is led by a battalion of the Kumaon Regiment and supported by troops from other arms and services.
ZAPAD 2025 is aimed at improving interoperability among participating militaries while providing a platform to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures. The exercise focuses on company-level joint operations in open terrain, with missions including joint planning, tactical maneuvers and special arms skills.
Indian officials say participation in the exercise underscores growing defense cooperation between India and Russia while strengthening ties with other countries taking part.
