IMPORTANT MILITARY EXERCISES PARTICIPATED BY INDIAN ARMY
| No. | Name of Exercise | Participating nation(s) | Dates of the exercise | Duration of exercise |
| Sampriti | Bangladesh | 3 – 16 Feb 2020 | 14 days | |
| BIMSTEC Disaster Mgmt. | 5 nations | 11 – 13 Feb 2020 | 3 days | |
| Cobra Gold | 27 nations | 25 Feb – 6 Mar 2020 | 11 days | |
| Ajeya Warrior | UK | 13 – 26 Feb 2020 | 14 days | |
| Al Nagah | Oman | 25 Mar 2019 | 1 day | |
| Bold Kurukshetra | Singapore | 08 – 11 Apr 2019 | 4 days | |
| Yudh Abhyas | US | 05 – 18 Sep 2019 | 14 days | |
| Tiger Triumph | US | 16 – 20 Sep 2019 | 5 days | |
| Maitree | Thailand | 16 – 29 Sep 2019 | 14 days | |
| KAZIND | Kazakhstan | 02 – 15 Oct 2019 | 14 days | |
| Nomadic Elephant | Mongolia | 05 – 18 Oct 2019 | 14 days | |
| Ekuverin | Maldives | 07 – 20 Oct 2019 | 14 days | |
| Vajra Prahar | US | 13 – 28 Oct 2019 | 16 days | |
| Dharma Guardian | Japan | 19 Oct – 12 Nov 2019 | 25 days | |
| Shakti | France | 31 Oct – 13 Nov 2019 | 14 days | |
| Dustlik | Uzbekistan | 14 Nov 2019 | 1 day | |
| Mitra Shakti | Sri Lanka | 01 – 14 Dec 2019 | 14 days | |
| Suryakiran | Nepal | 03 – 16 Dec 2019 | 14 days | |
| Hand in Hand | China | 07 – 20 Dec 2019 | 14 days | |
| Indra | Russia | 10 – 19 Dec 2019 | 10 days | |
| Garuda Shakti | Indonesia | 19 Feb – 04 Mar 2018 | 15 days | |
| Lamitye | Seychelles | 24 Feb – 04 Mar 2018 | 9 days | |
| Khanjar | Kyrgyzstan | 16 – 29 Mar 2018 | 14 days | |
| Prabal Dostyk | Kazakhstan | 02 – 15 Nov 2017 | 14 days | |
| Force 18 | 18 nations | 03 – 05 Dec 2016 | 3 days | |
| Chakravyuh | India | July 2018 | Unknown | |
| Megh Prahar | India | 14 July 2016 | 1 day | |
| Shatrujeet | India | 16 – 23 Apr 2016 | 8 days | |
| Drad Sankalp | India | 03 – 05 Dec 2015 | 3 days | |
| Mainamati Maitri | Bangladesh | 03 – 05 Mar 2019 | 3 days |
Ex. Sampriti – IX
| 1. | Participating nations | India, Bangladesh |
| 2. | Dates of the exercise | 03-Feb-2020 to 16-Feb-2020 (14 days) |
| 3. | Place where exercise was conducted | Umroi, Shillong, Meghalaya |
| 4. | First Exercise Year | 2012 |
| 5. | Important Points to remember | The exercise is hosted alternately by both countries.The eighth edition of the exercise was conducted at Tangail, Bangladesh.As per the government agencies, a delegation of Bangladesh Army comprising of 31 officers and 138 other ranks have participated in the joint military exercise. On the other hand, a company group of Indian Army showed its skill in SAMPRITI-IX.The purpose of this exercise is to strengthen and broaden the interoperability and cooperation between the Indian and Bangladesh’s armies. Another objective of this exercise is to strengthen and expand the aspects of mutual cooperation between both armies.The exercise will comprise strategic level action to deal with terrorism and terrorist attacks. This exercise will also create a strong military partnership and military trust between the two countries. |
| 6. | Goal of the exercise | To build, strengthen and promote positive relations between the Armies of India and Bangladesh |
BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercise – II
| 1. | Participating nations | BIMSTEC members except Bhutan and Thailand (i.e. Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar) along with other global institutions like UNDP, INSARAG, ICCROM etc. |
| 2. | Dates of the exercise | 11-Feb-2020 to 13-Feb-2020 (3 days) |
| 3. | Place where exercise was conducted | Bhubaneswar, Odisha |
| 4. | First Exercise Year | 2017 |
| 5. | Important Points to remember | Participants in the exercise include BIMSTEC members except Bhutan and Thailand along with other global institutions like United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG), International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration Cultural Property (ICCROM) etc.The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is building the capacity of its forces to play the role of first responder at heritage sites, which are vulnerable to disasters such as earthquake, floods, cyclones and tsunami across India.Reasons for Focus on the Heritage Sites: In the backdrop of recent losses suffered in an earthquake in Nepal(2015), damages to Heritage Sites in Gujarat earthquake (2001), the need was felt to protect the Heritage Sites during disasters and build the capacity of NDRF personnel.According to Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) in India, there could be 11 lakh sites in towns and villages out of which close to 10,000 sites and buildings are protected and about 70,000 sites have heritage value. |
| 6. | Goal of the exercise | Provide a platform for member states to evaluate existing capabilities, share best emergency response practices, improve emergency preparedness and strengthen regional response mechanisms, to conduct risk assessment in the context of cultural heritage sites at the time of disasters. |
Ex. Cobra Gold
| 1. | Participating nations | 27 nations Participants: The United States, Thailand, Singapore, South Korea, Indonesia, Japan and Malaysia Observers: Brunei, Laos, Cambodia, Israel, Vietnam, Germany, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Brazil and Sweden Multinational Planning Augmentation Team: Australia, Canada, France, the United Kingdom, Nepal, the Philippines, Fiji and New Zealand Others: China and India. |
| 2. | Dates of the exercise | 25-Feb-2020 to 06-Mar-2020 (11 days) |
| 3. | Place where exercise was conducted | Thailand |
| 4. | First Exercise Year | 1982 |
| 5. | Important Points to remember | Cobra Gold is currently the largest Indo-Pacific, multinational military exercise held in the Kingdom of Thailand every year. It is among the largest multinational military exercises in which the United States participates with allied and partner nations.Cobra Gold was first held in 1982. Cobra Gold has served as a military training exercise to improve coordination between the armed forces of the United States and Thailand in both hostile military and humanitarian efforts.As of 2020, Cobra Gold has several distinct activities that highlight regional security and effective responses to regional crises. The first is the Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise (CALFEX), in which live ammunition is aimed at predetermined targets as troops advance and close in on their target.A Command Post Exercise (CPX), in which military officers engage in computerized war games, disaster relief, or humanitarian missions over several days. An Amphibious Exercise (AMPHIBEX) which combines the capabilities of ship-to-shore movement with vertical envelopment between the Royal Thai Armed Forces and U.S. military, with allied forces dependent on operational developments. A Cyber Exercise (CYBEREX) which demonstrates the multinational interaction and exchange in a scenario based on rehearsing defensive cyber operations. Ongoing activities are various humanitarian civic activities, assisting the local Thai population throughout the kingdom.In 2020, Cobra Gold is introducing a landmine reduction operation as well as the participation of the U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft and the high mobility artillery rocket system (HIMARS). |
| 6. | Goal of the exercise | Improve the capabilities of participating nations to plan operations and conduct them together, build relationships and enhance maritime security and response to natural disasters. |
Ex. Ajeya Warrior – V
| 1. | Participating nations | India, United Kingdom |
| 2. | Dates of the exercise | 13-Feb-2020 to 26-Feb-2020 (14 days) |
| 3. | Place where exercise was conducted | Salisbury Plains, UK |
| 4. | First Exercise Year | 2013 |
| 5. | Important Points to remember | The exercise will comprise of 120 soldiers each from the Indian and United Kingdom Army who would be sharing their experiences gained during the conduct of various counter-insurgency and counter-terrorist operations in the past.Training on modern weapon systems, equipment and simulator training has also been planned. Notably, in the series of military training exercises undertaken by India with various countries, Exercise AJEYA WARRIOR with the United Kingdom is an important exercise in terms of the security challenges faced by both the nations in the realm of changing facets of global terrorism. The exercise is conducted alternatively in the United Kingdom and India.The joint military exercise displays a bilateral willingness to work jointly and share operating procedures to deal with a situation in a specified operational setting. Exercise AJEYA WARRIOR will promote defence cooperation and enhance interoperability while sharing experiences between both the armies. |
| 6. | Goal of the exercise | To conduct company level joint training with an emphasis on counter-terrorists operation in Urban and Semi-Urban areas |
Ex. Al Nagah – III
| 1. | Participating nations | India, Oman |
| 2. | Dates of the exercise | 25 March 2019 |
| 3. | Place where exercise was conducted | Jabel Al Akhdar Training Camp, Oman |
| 4. | First Exercise Year | 2015 |
| 5. | Important Points to remember | A two-week-long joint military exercise between Indian and Royal Army of Oman (RAO).The first exercise was held in Oman 2015, the Second exercise was held in India, 2017.Oman is the first Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to formalize Defence ties with India from joint military exercise and cooperation in anti-piracy and security matters.Oman is also the first country from the region to start trilateral exercises.Oman being India’s oldest defence partner in West Asia has given access to the port of Duqm that can be used for military purpose and logistical support as it will also allow India to expand its footprints in the Indian Ocean Region.Oman is also looking for ventures for joint production of defence equipment in India under ‘Make in India’, as it already buying spare parts for some of its military equipment from Indian DPSUs. |
| 6. | Goal of the exercise | Increasing interoperability between forces. |
Ex. Bold Kurukshetra – XII
| 1. | Participating nations | India, Singapore |
| 2. | Dates of the exercise | 08-Apr-2019 to 11-Apr-2019 |
| 3. | Place where exercise was conducted | Babina Military Station, Uttarakhand |
| 4. | First Exercise Year | 2008 |
| 5. | Important Points to remember | Armed forces of India and Singapore kicked off a joint military exercise, ‘Bold Kurukshetra–2019’, in Jhansi’s Babina Cantonment yesterday (8 March). India and Singapore had entered into an official agreement in November 2017 to strengthen defence ties between their respective armed forces. As per the understanding, personnel from the Singapore Armed Forces will receive training and undertake firing exercises along with the Indian Armed Forces.The inaugural ceremony for the joint exercise was conducted on Sunday (7 March), with the Indian contingent being headed by Colonel S P Singh and the Singaporean personnel being led by Lieutenant Colonel Tong Chong Kiat.Brigadier Ranjan Kiron reviewed the contingents’ march past. |
| 6. | Goal of the exercise | Bolstering cooperation against terrorism, developing defence technology and improving maritime security. |
Ex. Yudh Abhyas – XV
| 1. | Participating nations | India, United States |
| 2. | Dates of the exercise | 05-Sep-2019 to 18-Sep-2019 (14 days) |
| 3. | Place where exercise was conducted | Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM), Seattle, US |
| 4. | First Exercise Year | 2004 |
| 5. | Important Points to remember | It is one of the biggest joint military exercise and defence corporation endeavours between India and the USA.This joint military exercise between India and USA will offer a prospect to the armed forces of both countries to train in an integrated manner at Battalion level with joint planning at Brigade level. The joint military exercise will provide multiple scenarios with a view to understand each other’s organisational structure and battle procedures. According to the official curtain-raiser of the Government of India, the exercise will result in a higher degree of collaboration that can further facilitate interoperability between the armed forces of both countries to meet any unforeseen contingency across the globe. Yudh Abhyas 2019 is also significant because it provides an ideal platform to learn from each other’s expertise and experiences of planning and execution of operations.The armies of India and USA will jointly plan, train and execute a series of well-developed operations for neutralization of threats of varied nature.Once planning and trainings were done, a joint level exercise will be undertaken by both countries in an operational setting under a UN mandate.Apart from this, academic and military discussions will be organized by experts from both sides to share each other’s experiences on varied topics for mutual benefit. |
| 6. | Goal of the exercise | Provide multiple scenarios with a view to understand each other’s organisational structures and battle procedures. |
Ex. Tiger Triumph – II
| 1. | Participating nations | India, United States |
| 2. | Dates of the exercise | 13-Nov-2020 to 21-Nov-2020 (8 days) |
| 3. | Place where exercise was conducted | Eastern Naval Command headquarters in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh |
| 4. | First Exercise Year | 2019 |
| 5. | Important Points to remember | Tiger Triumph is a bilateral tri-service amphibious military exercise involving the armed forces of the India and the United States. It is the first tri-service military exercise between the two countries. India has previously only held tri-service exercises with Russia.India and the United States signed a defence agreement on 6 September 2018 committing to holding a joint land, air and sea exercise in India in 2019. The final planning conference for Tiger Triumph was held at the Eastern Naval Command headquarters in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh on September 16–20, 2019 and was attended by delegates from the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps and representatives from the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. The two sides also visited the proposed campsite in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh and conducted a table-top exercise as preparation. Tiger Triumph was officially announced by U.S. President Donald Trump during his address at the Howdy Modi community event in honour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on 22 September 2019.A total of 1,200 Indian and 500 U.S. military personnel participated in the nine-day exercise.The two forces brought supplies on shore, established a field hospital, formed patrols to locate actors playing displaced civilians and carried out evacuation by helicopter. The exercise included live fire drills, search-and-seizure training, ship manoeuvres and landings by Indian helicopters on the US Navy ship USS Germantown’s flight deck. |
| 6. | Goal of the exercise | The exercise primarily focused on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations with aiming to imitate disasters occurring in areas where security was problematic. |
Ex. Maitree – XIV
| 1. | Participating nations | India, Thailand |
| 2. | Dates of the exercise | 16-Sep-2019 to 29-Sep-2019 (13 days) |
| 3. | Place where exercise was conducted | Foreign Training Node, Umroi, Shillong, Meghalaya |
| 4. | First Exercise Year | 2006 |
| 5. | Important Points to remember | In the backdrop of changing facets of global terrorism, this exercise is a significant exercise for both the nations as they face the security challenges from terrorism.The Southern regions of Thailand (eg. Satun city, Patthalung province, Bangkok, etc) that are mostly visited by foreigners are prone to terrorist attacks.The joint military exercise between the Indian Army (IA) and the Royal Thailand Army (RTA) will give a boost to the defence cooperation and bilateral relations between the two nations.The Royal Thailand Navy and the Indian Navy have been participating in Coordinated Patrols (CORPATs) in the Indian Ocean region since 2005.The diplomatic relations between India and Thailand were established in 1947. Both countries have witnessed growing warmth, increasing economic and commercial links. Several agreements for development, exchange of high-level visits on both sides are some other common signs of healthy relations between India and Thailand. Also, Thailand and India are culturally linked for centuries and India has had a deep influence on Thai culture. |
| 6. | Goal of the exercise | The scope of this exercise covers company level joint training on insurgency & counter-terrorism operations in jungles and urban scenarios. |
Ex. KAZIND – IV
| 1. | Participating nations | India, Kazakhstan |
| 2. | Dates of the exercise | 02-Oct-2019 to 15-Oct-2019 (14 days) |
| 3. | Place where exercise was conducted | Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand |
| 4. | First Exercise Year | 2016 |
| 5. | Important Points to remember | It is the fourth edition of an annual event that is conducted alternatively in Kazakhstan and India.During the exercise, armies of both countries would be sharing their experience gained during the conduct of various counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.The aspects of emerging trends of hybrid warfare have also been included under exercise.Hybrid Warfare refers to the use of unconventional methods as part of a multi-domain warfighting approach that aims to disrupt and disable an opponent’s actions without engaging in open hostilities. |
| 6. | Goal of the exercise | Enhance the level of defence cooperation further fostering bilateral relations between the two nations |
Ex. Nomadic Elephant – XIV
| 1. | Participating nations | India, Mongolia |
| 2. | Dates of the exercise | 05-Oct-2019 to 18-Oct-2019 (14 days) |
| 3. | Place where exercise was conducted | Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh |
| 4. | First Exercise Year | 2006 |
| 5. | Important Points to remember | The Mongolian Army was represented by officers and troops of elite 084 Air Borne Special Task Battalion while Indian Army was represented by a contingent of a battalion of Rajputana Rifles.The Joint Exercise is an ideal platform for armies of both nations to share their experiences and best practices and gain mutually. It will also enhance defence co-operation and military relations between two nations.The training by both contingents will also lay emphasis in capacity building for conducting joint operations by a cohesive subunit, comprising of troops from both armies, in an adverse operational conditions thus enhancing the interoperability between the two armies. |
| 6. | Goal of the exercise | To evolve various tactical drills in counter-terror environment such as Convoy Protection Drill, Room Intervention Drills, Ambush & Counter Ambush Drills.To train troops in counter insurgency & counter terrorism operations under United Nations (UN) mandate. |
Ex. Ekuverin – X
| 1. | Participating nations | India, Maldives |
| 2. | Dates of the exercise | 07-Oct-2019 to 20-Oct-2019 |
| 3. | Place where exercise was conducted | Pune, Maharashtra |
| 4. | First Exercise Year | 2009 |
| 5. | Important Points to remember | India and Maldives have been conducting Exercise Ekuverin meaning ‘Friends’ in the Maldivian language since 2009.The 14 days Joint Exercise is held alternatively in India and Maldives.The ninth edition of the exercise was held in 2018 in Maldives. |
| 6. | Goal of the exercise | Enhancing interoperability between the two forces for carrying out counter insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in a semi-urban environment under the United Nations mandate |
Ex. Vajra Prahar – X
| 1. | Participating nations | India, United States |
| 2. | Dates of the exercise | 13-Oct-2019 to 28-Oct-2019 (15 days) |
| 3. | Place where exercise was conducted | Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM), Seattle, US |
| 4. | First Exercise Year | 2010 |
| 5. | Important Points to remember | Vajra Prahar is a Special Forces joint military training exercise conducted alternately in India and the US since 2010.The exercise enables sharing of best practices and experience in areas such as joint mission planning capabilities and operational tactics.The Special Forces of India refer to those Special forces units which are specifically organised, trained, and equipped to conduct and support special operations.The three branches of the Indian Armed Forces have separate special forces units namely (a)Para SF of Indian Army (b)MARCOS of Indian Navy and (c)Garud Commando Force of Indian Air Force. |
| 6. | Goal of the exercise | Sharing of best practices and experience in areas of joint mission planning capabilities & operational tactics |
Ex. Dharma Guardian – II
| 1. | Participating nations | India, Japan |
| 2. | Dates of the exercise | 19-Oct-2019 to 12-Nov-2019 (24 days) |
| 3. | Place where exercise was conducted | Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School, Vairengte, Mizoram |
| 4. | First Exercise Year | 2018 |
| 5. | Important Points to remember | The valedictory function was presided over by General Goro Yuasa, Chief of Staff, Japanese Ground Self Defence Forces and Lieutenant General Rajeev Sirohi, GOC, 3 Corps of Indian Army.As part of the exercise, important lectures, demonstrations and drills related to counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations were conducted. Both the Armies also shared their valuable experiences in countering such situations as also refined drills and procedures for joint operations.The defence ministry said, besides fostering mutual understanding and trust, this exercise marks reaffirmation of India and Japan to further bolster bilateral security and defence cooperation. |
| 6. | Goal of the exercise | The primary focus of this fortnight-long joint military exercise was to train and equip the contingents in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrain. |
Ex. Shakti – V
| 1. | Participating nations | India, France |
| 2. | Dates of the exercise | 31-Oct-2019 to 13-Nov-2019 (14 days) |
| 3. | Place where exercise was conducted | Rajasthan, India |
| 4. | First Exercise Year | 2011 |
| 5. | Important Points to remember | It is a biennial exercise which is conducted alternately in India and France.This is the second edition of exercise “Shakti”. A detachment of the 13th Alpine Battalion had taken part in the first edition in India, from 9 to 22 October 2011, at Chaubattia, Ranikhet, in the Himalayan foothills.Through “Shakti”, the French and Indian armies share their experience on mountain warfare. This exercise will also help foster common understanding and improve interoperability between the French and Indian armed forces, whose units frequently operate in the same United Nations peacekeeping operations, be it in South Lebanon or in Africa.The exercise will focus on counter terrorism operations in backdrop of semi-desert terrain. The training focused primarily on high degree of physical fitness, sharing of drill at tactical level and learning of best practices from each other. |
| 6. | Goal of the exercise | Enhancing understanding, cooperation and interoperability between the two Armies. |
Ex. Dustlik – I
| 1. | Participating nations | India, Uzbekistan |
| 2. | Dates of the exercise | 14-Nov-2019 |
| 3. | Place where exercise was conducted | Chirchiq Training Area near Tashkent, Uzbekistan |
| 4. | First Exercise Year | 2019 |
| 5. | Important Points to remember | The exercise is focused on Counter-terrorismDuring the exercise, an Indian Army contingent will train along with Uzbekistan ArmyBefore the exercise, the Indian Defence Minister visited Uzbekistan where he signed an MoU on cooperation in the field of Military Medicine between the Armed Forces of the two countries.Two Institution-to-Institution MoUs on training and capacity building between institutes of higher military learning of the two countries were also signed. The MoU is a byproduct of interactions emanating from the MoU on Military Education signed between the two countries in October 2018. |
| 6. | Goal of the exercise | Enable the sharing of best practices and experiences between the Armed Forces of the two countries and lead to greater operational effectiveness. |
Ex. Mitra Shakti – VII
| 1. | Participating nations | India, Sri Lanka |
| 2. | Dates of the exercise | 01-Dec-2019 to 14-Dec-2019 (14 days) |
| 3. | Place where exercise was conducted | Pune, Maharashtra |
| 4. | First Exercise Year | 2012 |
| 5. | Important Points to remember | The joint exercise also aims for incorporating the current dynamics of United Nations peacekeeping operations through practical & comprehensive discussions and tactical exercises. |
| 6. | Goal of the exercise | To build and promote positive relations between armies of India and Sri Lanka for counter-insurgency & counter-terrorism operations in the urban and rural environment under United Nations mandate |
Ex. Suryakiran – XIV
| 1. | Participating nations | India, Nepal |
| 2. | Dates of the exercise | 03-Dec-2019 to 06-Dec-2019 (4 days) |
| 3. | Place where exercise was conducted | Nepal |
| 4. | First Exercise Year | 2006 |
| 5. | Important Points to remember | The exercise will comprise of 300 soldiers from both Indian and Nepal Army who would be sharing their experience in conduct of various counter insurgency and counter terrorism operations as also various humanitarian assistance missions by both the Armies. Exercise SURYA KIRAN – XIV is an annual event which is conducted alternatively in Nepal and India. Notably, in the series of military training exercises undertaken by India with various countries, exercise SURYA KIRAN with Nepal is an important exercise in terms of the security challenges faced by both the nations in the realm of changing facets of global terrorism. The aim of this exercise is to conduct a Battalion level combined training between Indian Army and Nepal Army to increase interoperability in jungle warfare and counter terrorist operations in mountainous terrain, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, medical and environmental conservation including aviation aspects. |
| 6. | Goal of the exercise | Enhance the level of defence cooperation which will further foster the bilateral relations between the two nations. |
Ex. Hand in Hand – VIII
| 1. | Participating nations | India, China |
| 2. | Dates of the exercise | 07-Dec-2019 to 20-Dec-2019 (14 days) |
| 3. | Place where exercise was conducted | Umroi, Meghalaya |
| 4. | First Exercise Year | 2007 |
| 5. | Important Points to remember | The joint military exercise “Hand-in-Hand” was started in the year 2007 in Kunming (China), its second edition was held in Belgaum, Karnataka in India. But it was stopped for the next few years. Later, in 2013, the practice resumed after five years.About 130 soldiers of the Tibet Military Command (on behalf of China) and an equal number of Indian military personnel will participate. The exercise is planned at the company level, with the respective battalion headquarters.There will be numerous activities during ‘Hand-in-Hand’ military exercise like training, classes and military tools information, etc. This military exercise will increase mutual coordination between the armies of both countries. There will be special training for anti-terrorism operations during this military exercise. Two strategic exercises will be conducted during the training.The first exercise will be focused on the anti-terrorism mechanism and the second on humanitarian and disaster relief (HADR) operations.China has deployed its Tibetan troops for this exercise This exercise will not only increase the capacity of the joint command commander but also troops of both countries can work under one command after this training. |
| 6. | Goal of the exercise | Build and promote strong relations between the armies of India and China and to develop joint operational capability, share useful experiences of counter-terrorism operations and foster friendly relations. |
Ex. Indra – XVII
| 1. | Participating nations | India, Russia |
| 2. | Dates of the exercise | 10-Dec-2019 to 19-Dec-2019 (10 days) |
| 3. | Place where exercise was conducted | Babina Military Station, Uttar Pradesh |
| 4. | First Exercise Year | 2003 |
| 5. | Important Points to remember | The two countries will be able to imbibe the best practices from each other, jointly evolve and drills to defeat the menace of terror under the United Nations mandate.The INDRA series of exercise began in 2003. It was conducted as a single service exercise alternately between the two countries. However, the first joint Tri Services Exercise was conducted in 2017.Exercise INDRA 2018, a joint military exercise between Indian and Russia on combating insurgency under the aegis of the United Nations (UN) was conducted at Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh.Air exercises were conducted at Pune whereas Naval exercises were conducted at Goa. |
| 6. | Goal of the exercise | Defeat the menace of terror under the United Nations mandate |
Ex. Garuda Shakti – VI
| 1. | Participating nations | India, Indonesia |
| 2. | Dates of the exercise | 19-Feb-2018 to 14-Mar-2018 (15 days) |
| 3. | Place where exercise was conducted | Bandung, Indonesia |
| 4. | First Exercise Year | 2012 |
| 5. | Important Points to remember | Garuda Shakti is a bilateral exercise between special forces of armies of India and Indonesia. This joint military exercise is a part of India and Indonesia defence cooperation.In 2018, 5th Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) between India and Indonesia and the ASEAN-India Network of Think Tanks (AINTT) meeting on took placeDefence Minister of Indonesia General (Retd) Ryamizard Ryacudu had visited India in January 2018 to participate in India-Indonesia Biennial Defence Ministers’ Dialogue.The exercise Garuda Shakti includes Counter-terrorism operations, Close quarter combat and Other areas of special operations.The fifth edition of the Garuda Shakti exercise took place in India and the 4th one in Magelang, Indonesia. |
| 6. | Goal of the exercise | To enhance the trust and cooperation between the two armies |
Ex. Lamitye – VIII
| 1. | Participating nations | India, Seychelles |
| 2. | Dates of the exercise | 24-Feb-2018 to 04-Mar-2018 (9 days) |
| 3. | Place where exercise was conducted | Mahe Island, Seychelles |
| 4. | First Exercise Year | 2001 |
| 5. | Important Points to remember | The exercise is named “LAMITYE” which in the local dialect ‘Creole’, means friendship. This exercise is the 8th in the series of bilateral exercises being conducted in the beautiful island nation.India and Seychelles have been conducting this joint exercise since 2001 with the aim of enhancing military cooperation and interoperability between the Armies of the two countries. The focus of the ongoing exercise is to conduct counter-insurgency and counter-terrorist operations in semi urban environment under the United Nations (UN) charter. The nine day long event will see the contingents hone their tactical and technical skills in countering insurgency and terrorism in UN Peacekeeping scenario involving the activation of the joint operations centre of the Seychelles People’s Defence Force. The Seychelles People’s Defence Force will be represented by a total of 52 personnel from their Special Forces Unit, Coast Guard and the Air Force, whereas an Infantry Platoon from the Southern Command will represent the Indian Army.Use of State-of-the-art equipment for surveillance and tracking, specialist weapons for close quarter battle with terrorists, use and detection of improvised explosive devices as well as the latest communication equipment will be fielded during the exercise.The contingents will train, plan and execute a series of well-developed combined tactical drills for neutralisation of likely threats that may be encountered in UN peacekeeping operations keeping in view the prevalent insurgency and piracy environment. The exercise will focus on achieving optimum cohesion and interoperability in accomplishing common military objectives. |
| 6. | Goal of the exercise | Fighting insurgency, terrorism and piracy threats |
Ex. Khanjar – V
| 1. | Participating nations | India, Kyrgyzstan |
| 2. | Dates of the exercise | 16-Mar-2018 to 29-Mar-2018 (14 days) |
| 3. | Place where exercise was conducted | Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School, Vairengte, Mizoram |
| 4. | First Exercise Year | 2011 |
| 5. | Important Points to remember | On 29th March 2018, the fifth Indo-Kyrgyzstan joint training exercise KHANJAR V culminated after a Joint Tactical Validation Exercise and a closing ceremony held at Counter Insurgency Jungle Warfare School, Vairengte.Two weeks of joint training that commenced on March 16th, 2018.It is worth mentioning that last year this exercise was held in Kyrgyzstan during February 20th – 5th March 2017.The exercise involved insertion of troops by slithering from helicopters and destroying a terrorist hide out. It demonstrated the commitment of both armies in working closely with each other to address the growing issue of global terrorism in all its forms.The exercise was a success and has taught valuable lessons to the troops of both the countries. The camaraderie developed between the contingents during the course of exercise will assist in enhancing confidence of the two armies which may be called upon to grapple with Anti-Terrorism Operations. The conduct of these Bilateral Military Exercises is also an important step to uphold the values of Peace, Prosperity and Trust in the region. |
| 6. | Goal of the exercise | Provide training to join forces of both countries to join the counter-terrorism campaign |
Ex. Prabal Dostyk – II
| 1. | Participating nations | India, Kazakhstan |
| 2. | Dates of the exercise | 02-Nov-2017 to 15-Nov-2017 (14 days) |
| 3. | Place where exercise was conducted | Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh |
| 4. | First Exercise Year | 2016 |
| 5. | Important Points to remember | The training contingents comprise of a platoon strength from 3rd Battalion of the 11th Gorkha Rifles of the Indian Army and a similar strength of the Kazakhstan Army.Senior military observers of both the countries will also witness the validation phase of the joint exercise.The aim of the joint exercise is also to acquaint both forces with each other’s operating procedures in the backdrop of counter insurgency and counter terrorism operations under UN mandate.The overall aim is to enhance the existing military relationship between the Indian Army and the Kazakhstan Army and achieve synergy for joint conduct of operation as and when the requirement arises.Personnel of both contingents were hopeful of a fruitful learning experience and were sanguine that the two weeks of training would go a long way in enhancing ties not only between the two armies but also between the people of the two great nations. |
| 6. | Goal of the exercise | Enhancing the military ties between the two countries as also at achieving interoperability between the two armies. |
Ex. Force 18
| 1. | Participating nations | Involves 18 ASEAN plus countries |
| 2. | Dates of the exercise | 02-Mar-2016 to 08-Mar-2016 |
| 3. | Place where exercise was conducted | Pune, Maharashtra |
| 4. | First Exercise Year | 2016 |
| 5. | Important Points to remember | Multinational Field Training Exercise [FTX] – Exercise FORCE 18 – involving ASEAN Plus countries commenced at Pune on Wednesday, displaying true team spirit. Indian Army for the first time in the history conducted one of the largest multi-national Field Training Exercise. Ten countries from South East Asia – Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam — are members of the ASEAN. |
| 6. | Goal of the exercise | Enhance the level of defence cooperation further fostering bilateral relations between the nations |
Ex. Chakravyuh – II
| 1. | Participating nations | Indian Army Specific |
| 2. | Dates of the exercise | July 2018 |
| 3. | Place where exercise was conducted | Suratgarh, Rajasthan |
| 4. | First Exercise Year | 2016 |
| 5. | Important Points to remember | The exercise was held by the pivot formations of the Indian Army and involved rapid mobilisation and execution of plans in sync with the Air Force in the desert terrain and was declared a success.The exercise envisaged mechanised manoeuvres in the entire spectra of new generation weapons, platforms & systems employed in areas where rapid development and urbanisation along the border is predominant.It has provided an opportunity to all commanders in planning and conducting large scale operations in an integrated theatre environment along with IAF. It mainly included fighter ground attack aircrafts, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), attack helicopters, remotely piloted vehicles and communication helicopters.During the exercise, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and communication systems were put to test in a network-centric battlefield environment duly supported by enabling operational logistics.Improved mobility, inventory management techniques and the extensive use of information technology, so as to ensure that logistics keep pace with the fast-paced operational environment, was also validated during the exercise. |
| 6. | Goal of the exercise | To validate the battle readiness and operational effectiveness of the pivot formation and RAPID division along with all its affiliated components. |
Ex. Megh Prahar
| 1. | Participating nations | Indian Army Specific |
| 2. | Dates of the exercise | 14-Jul-2016 (1 day) |
| 3. | Place where exercise was conducted | Banks of Yamuna River, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh |
| 4. | First Exercise Year | 2016 |
| 5. | Important Points to remember | A demonstration on capabilities of Mathura-based Strike 1 to seamlessly effect crossings on river obstacle was conducted on the banks of Yamuna River on July 14, 2016, along the stretch of river adjoining the cantonment. The exercise codenamed Megh Prahar was undertaken by formation of its spearhead Armoured Division and aptly showcased the variety of equipment, innovativeness of commanders, jointmanship, professional outlook and war-waging potential of the DOT Division.Exercise Megh Prahar would help in testing the effectiveness of the ultra-modern Tank T-90 & BMP-2 held with Indian Army in fighting across opposed river obstacle. This exercise also showcased the importance of incorporating the third dimension in bridging the gap of an obstacle and helping in capture of depth obstacle by a mechanised formation. The war preparation and effectiveness of Strike 1 was proved beyond doubt during the exercise. |
| 6. | Goal of the exercise | To test the effectiveness of the ultra-modern Tank T-90 & BMP-2 in fighting across opposed river obstacle in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. |
Ex. Shatrujeet
| 1. | Participating nations | Indian Army Specific |
| 2. | Dates of the exercise | 16-Apr-2016 to 23-Apr-2016 (8 days) |
| 3. | Place where exercise was conducted | Thar Desert, Western Rajasthan |
| 4. | First Exercise Year | 2016 |
| 5. | Important Points to remember | More than 30,000 soldiers have taken part in Exercise Shatrujeet conducted by the Indian Army for the elite STRIKE l (1 Corps) in the deserts of Rajasthan wherein the capability to strike deep in enemy territory in an integrated air-land battle environment is being tested. Exercise Shatrujeet is an operational-oriented exercise which is focused on validating integrated theatre battle fighting concepts incorporating new age technologies, weapon platforms and systems as well as long-range precision targeting vectors.The Indian Army conducts a Strike Corps level exercise regularly for every Strike Corps so that their planning norms and methodology, their drills and procedures, use of force multipliers and new age technologies, efficacy of their mobile communications and other systems including air defence, and their responses to operational situations created on the battlefield can be monitored. This ensures that the formations concerned are kept in a high state of battle readiness and their drills and procedures are honed to near perfection. The build-up and preparatory training prior to the actual Corps exercise is carried out earlier. This includes unit and formation level exercises which are conducted during the six to eight weeks period preceding the main Corps exercise. This allows sub-unit, unit and formation commanders to check the efficiency of their own sub-units, units and formations including drills and procedures and responses to battle situations. |
| 6. | Goal of the exercise | To evaluate the capability of the Indian Army to strike deep into enemy territory in an integrated air-land battle environment which involves participation of several Infantry, armoured and artillery formations under a simulated nuclear, biological, chemical warfare environment. |
Ex. Drad Sankalp
| 1. | Participating nations | Indian Army Specific |
| 2. | Dates of the exercise | 03-Dec-2015 to 05-Dec-2015 (3 days) |
| 3. | Place where exercise was conducted | Thar Desert, Rajasthan |
| 4. | First Exercise Year | 2015 |
| 5. | Important Points to remember | Conducted by the Southern Command in a simulated contemporary battlefield environment in deserts of Rajasthan.During the exercise, combined arms of infantry and mechanised forces practise swift manoeuvres in coordination with air-borne troops.Networked radars, UAVs and aerial surveillance platforms ensured continuous flow of information resulting in battlefield transparency which enabled Commanders to assess and modify their operational plans to meet the emerging challenges.Participation included entire spectrum of ground forces to include fighting arms, combat support arms duly supported by services and logistics, force multipliers like Army Aviation, Special Forces and Electronic Warfare System in conjunction with Indian Air Force. |
| 6. | Goal of the exercise | Validation of operational preparedness of formations and units to the evolving doctrine of Indian Army to launch swift offensive in the desert terrain in a network centric environment in close coordination with long range Artillery and Air Force. |
Ex. Mainamati Maitri
| 1. | Participating nations | India, Bangladesh (Border Security Force (BSF) of India and Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB)) |
| 2. | Dates of the exercise | 03-Mar-2019 to 05-Mar-2019 (3 days) |
| 3. | Place where exercise was conducted | Agartala, Tripura |
| 4. | First Exercise Year | 2019 |
| 5. | Important Points to remember | The exercise was named after Mainamati hill range situated 8 km west of Comilla Township in Bangladesh, which is home to an ancient Buddhist archaeological site in the region.The exercise was held in areas near Srimantapur in Sipahijala district, bordering Comilla district ofThe objective of Mainamati Maitree Exercise 2019 was to plan and conduct anti-smuggling and anti-criminal activity related operations with an aim to achieve better joint operational efficiency and border management in the area.The exercise involved joint patrolling, anti-smuggling drills, simulated raids on suspected places in both the countries and checking of goods and identity at international check posts.After the Standoff between the Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) around 31 Rohingya people who were found crossing the international border into Bangladesh in January, series of joint exercises and exchanges are being held in the Tripura-Bangla frontier as part of the confidence-building measure. |
| 6. | Goal of the exercise | Confidence Building Measure to secure the Tripura-Bangla frontier |
