India has sent troops to participate in Russia’s Zapad military exercises, a move that underscores its growing defense collaboration with Moscow amid strained relations with the United States.
Around 30,000 Russian and Belarusian soldiers are taking part in the drills, which feature ballistic missile launches and simulated airstrikes across Russia, the Arctic, the Baltic Sea, and Belarus. India has contributed 65 personnel, including members of the highly regarded Kumaon Regiment, stationed at the Mulino training ground, 40 miles west of Nizhny Novgorod, far from NATO borders. These troops are participating in joint training, tactical exercises, and special arms drills.
The Indian Ministry of Defence emphasized that the deployment aims to “strengthen defense cooperation and foster camaraderie between India and Russia, reinforcing mutual trust.” With around 1.5 million active personnel and 960,000 reserves, the Indian Army is among the world’s largest military forces.
This development comes as India faces growing tensions with the US. Earlier this year, Indian exports were hit with tariffs of up to 50%, while officials criticized New Delhi’s Russian oil purchases, calling India a “laundromat for the Kremlin.” Meanwhile, India has been deepening ties with Russia and China, with a Russian presidential visit and Prime Minister Modi’s planned attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit signaling a pivot toward Moscow and Beijing.
Analysts view India’s participation as significant given the current geopolitical climate. David Merkel, a former US State Department strategist, noted that New Delhi’s involvement could complicate the US-India security relationship, highlighting India’s reliance on Moscow amid uncertainty with Washington. German foreign policy expert Ulrich Speck added that India may have “crossed a red line” in joining the exercises.
Observers from NATO member states, including the US, Turkey, and Hungary, attended the drills, while neighboring Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania declined invitations. The exercises follow recent incidents where Russian drones violated Polish and Romanian airspace, prompting NATO to reinforce its eastern defenses.
India has participated in Zapad and other Russian military drills before, including prior to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, but this year’s participation is attracting particular attention due to rising tensions between NATO and Russia.
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