India Conducts Simultaneous Military Exercises With Russia And The United States

In the midst of the ongoing Ukraine crisis, two destroyers from Russia Pacific Fleet have made their way to the Bay of Bengal to engage in joint training maneuvers with the Indian Navy. This collaboration aligns with the Indian Army concurrent involvement in the Vajra Prahar training exercise at Umroi, Meghalaya, where they are partnering with the US Army Special Forces.

The Russian Defence Ministry stated on Tuesday that these maritime exercises aim to enhance and solidify naval cooperation between Russia and India. The exercise is seen as a means for the two navy forces to collectively address global threats and secure civilian shipping operations within the Asia-Pacific zone.

Despite the significance of this collaboration, India has yet to release an official announcement regarding the exercise. According to details from the Russian Defense Ministry, the event is scheduled to continue through Wednesday. The participating vessels from Russia Pacific Fleet include the Admiral Tributs, an anti-submarine destroyer.

In early November, Russia initiated the Myanmar-Russia Maritime Security Exercise (MARUMEX), marking its inaugural joint naval exercise with Myanmar. This move indicates an expansion of security cooperation between the two nations, involving both naval vessels and aircraft. Despite global sanctions due to the military coup in Myanmar and the conflict in Ukraine, both nations engaged in simulated air combat and live ammunition exercises in the Andaman Sea, south of Yangon.

This exercise follows previous joint endeavors between Russia and India, such as the completion of the 12th iteration of the bilateral Indra Navy exercise in the Baltic Sea in 2021. In the previous year, Russia orchestrated an annual military demonstration involving 13 countries, including India and China, in its eastern region. However, India participation was limited to providing its army contingent, Gorkha 7/8 rifles, as it chose not to engage in the naval aspect of the event.

The participation of India in joint exercises with Russia has drawn criticism from the US, with White House Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre expressing dismay. She highlighted concerns about any nation participating in exercises with Russia, especially considering Russia involvement in an unwarranted and brutal conflict with Ukraine.

Simultaneously, the US Army and the Indian Army are currently conducting the Vajra Prahar exercise in Umroi, Meghalaya. Launched on November 21, this 14th edition of the Joint Indo-US Special Forces exercise involves the 1st Special Forces Group of the US Special Forces and Special Forces personnel from India Eastern Command leading the Indian contingent.