Indian troops have joined the Russia-Belarus Zapad-2025 military drills, Russian state agency TASS reported. The participation highlights New Delhi’s enduring defence ties with Moscow, even as tensions rise with Washington. The Indian Ministry of Defence confirmed it sent 65 personnel to the five-day exercise, which concluded on September 16.
Large-Scale Strategic Exercise
The Zapad-2025 manoeuvres involved about 100,000 troops, nuclear-capable bombers, warships, and extensive combat simulations. Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed soldiers, saying, “Today we are conducting the final part of the Zapad 2025 strategic exercise.” India’s role was led by a battalion of the Kumaon Regiment. Officials said the deployment aimed at strengthening “the spirit of cooperation and mutual trust” with Russia.
Multinational Participation
According to TASS, contingents from Iran, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Mali also took part. Their involvement further underlined Moscow’s outreach to non-Western partners.
NATO Confrontation and Regional Strains
The drills occurred amid heightened confrontation with NATO. Days earlier, Russian drones were downed in Poland. The exercises also coincided with worsening US-India relations. Washington recently imposed 50 percent tariffs on Indian imports, accusing New Delhi of indirectly supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine through cheap oil purchases.
Trump’s Criticism and Diplomatic Efforts
US President Donald Trump criticised India and Russia earlier this month, suggesting both were drifting toward China after joint talks at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. Yet, tensions eased slightly when Trump later said trade negotiations were ongoing. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded by stressing that “India and the US are close friends and natural partners,” expressing confidence that talks would strengthen bilateral ties.
India’s Defence Choices
This is not the first time Indian troops joined Russian-led drills. In 2021, Indian forces participated in exercises in the Volgograd region, just months before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. India has historically relied on Russian defence supplies, though it has worked in recent decades to diversify imports.
