India sent 65 troops, including members of the army, air force, and navy, mostly from the Kumaon Regiment, to participate in the joint military exercises known as Zapad-2025, which were organized by Russia and Belarus.
About 100,000 soldiers participated in the five-day drills, which featured heavy artillery, battleships, and bombers with nuclear capabilities at 41 training locations.
Reflecting increased tensions between Russia and NATO, President Putin said the exercises strengthened defense readiness against possible external threats.
Amid growing economic tensions with the United States, which recently put up to 50% tariffs on Indian imports due to worries over India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, India’s participation underlined its longtime defense alliance with Russia.
Despite the possible diplomatic snag with Washington, where India is seen as a strategic counterweight to China in Asia, Delhi said the exercises were intended to deepen collaboration and mutual trust with Russia.
For the first time, US military observers participated in the exercises, indicating a complex geopolitical landscape. Other international participants were Iran, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Mali.
Even as India rebalances its foreign policy to maintain strategic autonomy, the US presence in Poland, a NATO member, in response to recent Russian drone incidents reflects complex East-West military dynamics.
India and the US have continuous trade talks in an effort to settle disagreements despite diplomatic strains, and both parties are hopeful that their collaboration will grow in the future.
As demonstrated by its previous involvement in the 2021 exercises before to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, India’s participation in Zapad-2025 signifies continuity in its relations with Russia and reflects its careful balancing act between major international powers.
