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India had previously taken part in Zapad exercises, joint war games between Russia and Belarus, before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Russian and Belarusian flags fly at a training ground during the joint Russia-Belarus “Zapad-2025” military drills near Borisov, Belarus, on September 15, 2025. (Image: Reuters)
In a significant move amid the trade tensions with the United States, India has joined the Zapad-2025 military drills, part of its longstanding defence ties with Moscow. The Indian Ministry of Defence said that 65 personnel took part in the five-day exercise, which was led by Russia and Belarus.
The manoeuvres brought together around 100,000 troops, backed by nuclear-capable bombers, warships, and heavy artillery, reported Russian state agency TASS.
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Russian President Putin, wearing military fatigues, was seen at the Mulino Training Ground in Nizhny Novgorod to oversee the active phase of the joint military drills, stating that the drills were aimed at strengthening defences and demonstrating readiness to counter potential threats.
Delhi said that the deployment aims to “further strengthen defence cooperation and foster camaraderie between India and Russia, thereby reinforcing the spirit of collaboration and mutual trust”.
According to the ministry, Indian forces will engage in “joint training, tactical drills, and special arms skills” alongside their Russian counterparts.
India had previously as well taken part in Zapad exercises, joint war games between Russia and Belarus, before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
In addition with India, task forces from Iran, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Mali also took part.
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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
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September 17, 2025, 07:37 IST
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