An Indian Armed Forces contingent has departed to participate in the multilateral joint military exercise ZAPAD 2025 in Russia from 10 to 16 September 2025.
ZAPAD 2025:
Exercise Overview: Exercise ZAPAD 2025 is a multilateral joint military exercise conducted at the Mulino Training Ground, Nizhniy, Russia, focusing on conventional warfare and counter-terrorism operations.
Indian Contingent Composition: 65 personnel — 57 from the Indian Army, 07 from the IAF, and 01 from the Indian Navy. The contingent is led by a battalion of the Kumaon Regiment with other supporting arms and services.
Objective: To enhance interoperability, military cooperation, and facilitate the exchange of tactics, techniques, and procedures in multinational environments.
Operational Focus: Exercises include joint planning, tactical drills, special arms skills, and missions at company-level operations in open/plain terrain.
Strategic Importance:
Reinforces India–Russia defence cooperation and trust.
Positions India as an active participant in multinational security collaborations.
Strengthens preparedness in joint operations with emerging technologies.