The Indian Army and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) have commenced the 14th edition of their joint military exercise, Exercise Bold Kurukshetra, at a training facility in Jodhpur. This collaborative drill, which began on July 27, continues a 20-year tradition of defense cooperation between India and Singapore, aimed at enhancing joint operational capabilities within the framework of the United Nations mandate.
The opening ceremony featured a ceremonial plaque and flag exchange, symbolizing the long-standing military partnership between the two nations. Senior military officials from both sides, including representatives from the Indian Army’s Bogra Brigade and the SAF contingent, attended the event, marking the initiation of the first phase of the exercise, which focused on tactical discussions and a table-top simulation to cultivate operational synergy.
Over the coming days, participating troops will engage in a series of complex field maneuvers, which will include live fire exercises and combat coordination drills. These activities are strategically designed to enhance interoperability in both peacekeeping and conflict scenarios. The joint training emphasizes the importance of responding to multi-domain threats, conducting effective joint planning, and executing coordinated responses in simulated conflict situations.
Since its establishment in 2003, Exercise Bold Kurukshetra has evolved into a cornerstone of military relations between India and Singapore. The partnership has been further strengthened through a naval logistics agreement signed in 2017, which facilitates mutual access to each other’s bases for refueling and supplies. A 2022 study published in the Journal of Defense Studies highlighted that joint training exercises like this one can enhance coordination in multinational operations by as much as 30 percent.
This year’s exercise is especially timely, occurring amid escalating global peacekeeping challenges. More than 80,000 troops are currently deployed worldwide in United Nations missions, thereby underscoring the significance of India and Singapore’s emphasis on readiness and coordinated actions in their commitment to global peace and security.
In addition to joint army training, the strategic partnership between India and Singapore encompasses a broad spectrum of defense collaborations, including efforts in maritime security, joint naval drills, and the development of emerging technologies. These initiatives form part of a comprehensive framework established under the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) and various bilateral strategic agreements.
