Current Affairs - Defence

ZAPAD 2025 is a significant multilateral military exercise being hosted in Russia, with the active participation of Indian forces. The exercise involves the Indian Army’s KUMAON Regiment leading a contingent of 57 Army personnel, 7 from the Air Force, and 1 from the Navy. The key objectives are to enhance interoperability, foster greater cooperation among participating nations, and strengthen counter-terrorism preparedness. Moreover, the exercise emphasises joint planning, tactical drills, and the integration of emerging technologies in modern warfare. By engaging in this event, India seeks to deepen defence ties with Russia and build operational synergy in multinational scenarios.

The Combined Commanders’ Conference 2025 will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kolkata on October 15, 2025. The event, themed “Year of Reforms – Transforming for the Future,” will bring together top civil and military leadership to deliberate on reforms, transformation, and operational preparedness in India’s defence sector. Such conferences are pivotal for aligning strategic defence priorities with long-term national goals. Additionally, during the same visit, PM Modi is scheduled to launch the Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan on October 17, further highlighting the government’s integrated approach towards national security and societal development.

INS Kadmatt, an Indian Navy ship, played a key role in Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Day celebrations. The ship’s naval band performed at the Military Tattoo in Port Moresby, where bands from various nations came together to promote unity and cultural harmony through music. India’s martial and melodic tunes were particularly appreciated during the event. Additionally, INS Kadmatt’s crew visited the Bomana War Cemetery to honour the memory of World War II heroes, including the unsung Indian soldiers who fought bravely. This act highlighted India’s respect for shared history and its commitment to international friendship.

The 14th edition of Exercise MAITREE between the Indian Army and the Royal Thai Army began on September 1, 2025, at the Joint Training Node (JTN) in Umroi, Meghalaya. This exercise, first initiated in 2006, is aimed at improving interoperability, trust, and joint operational capabilities in counter-terrorism and semi-urban warfare. India is represented by the Madras Regiment, while Thailand has deployed personnel from the 1st Infantry Battalion, 14th Infantry Brigade. With training modules covering tactical drills, arms handling, and UN Charter-based operations, the exercise highlights the deepening defence cooperation between India and Thailand in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Indian Army successfully conducted the Yudh Kaushal 3.0 exercise in Arunachal Pradesh’s high-altitude terrain, demonstrating its preparedness for modern multi-domain warfare. The drill emphasised the integration of cutting-edge technologies, drone-based surveillance, precision strikes, and AI-enabled operational concepts. Specialised units like ASHNI platoons were deployed to showcase tactical agility and innovation. The exercise also highlighted India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative by incorporating domestically developed defence technologies. Alongside Yudh Kaushal 3.0, a parallel exercise named Achook Prahar was conducted to test inter-agency coordination with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), reinforcing joint operational effectiveness in challenging border regions.