Defence Exercises

2024 (January to
March)

Current Affairs

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March:
India-Mozambique-Tanzania Trilateral Exercise concluded in Mozambique:
The closing ceremony, held onboard INS Tir and INS Sujata at Nacala, Mozambique,
featured representatives from all three navies.

The exercise included vital training on Visit, Board, Search and Seizure, Damage
Control and Firefighting Drills, communication procedures and medical lectures
with CPR demonstration and casualty evacuation (CASEVAC).

This was the second edition of the exercise.

'Exercise Tiger Triumph': India, US Navies started the sea phase in Vizag:
Exercise Tiger Triumph 2024, a bilateral tri-service exercise between India and the
US, began its sea phase in Visakhapatnam.

It focuses on amphibious operations, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief

(HADR), and MEDEVAC.

In 2019, the first Tiger Triumph exercise took place.

The name “Tiger Triumph” is derived from national animals: Royal Bengal Tiger of
India & Bald Eagle of US.

Indian Navy's "Op Sankalp" marked consistent vigilance:

In response to the Israel-Hamas conflict, the Indian Navy's 'Op Sankalp' has been
vital in the Indian Ocean.

The navy has been at the forefront, addressing 18 incidents, including the action
against the hijacking of MV Ruen.

Deploying over 5000 personnel, and 21 ships, the operation has safeguarded
maritime routes against piracy, terrorism, and other non-traditional threats.

10th edition of Joint Military Exercise 'LAMITIYE-2024' took place in Seychelles:

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The Joint Exercise between the Indian Army and Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) was
conducted at Seychelles from March 18-27.

'LAMITIYE' meaning 'Friendship' in the Creole language is a biennial training event

that has been conducted in the Seychelles since 2001.

The exercise enhanced cooperation and interoperability between both sides during
peacekeeping operations.

China, Iran and Russia staged joint naval drills in Gulf of Oman

China, Iran, and Russia commenced joint naval drills in the Gulf of Oman amid
regional tensions, involving warship and planes.

The Maritime Security Belt 2024 international exercise attracted observers from
Azerbaijan, India, Kazakhstan, Oman, Pakistan, and South Africa.

Exercise aims to enhance maritime security, counter piracy, showcasing a tri-nation

effort to bolster regional stability.

'Bharat Shakti' Tri-Services Fire and Maneuver Exercise held in Pokhran:

The ‘Bharat Shakti' exercise displayed an array of indigenous weapon systems and
platforms as a demonstration of the prowess of the country.

The exercise included T-90 Tanks, Dhanush and Sarang Gun Systems, Akash
Weapons Systems, Logistics Drones, Robotic Mules, and Advanced Light helicopters.

The integrated tri-service firepower and maneuver exercise lasted approximately 50

minutes.

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A&N Command carried out an all-women maritime surveillance mission:

On the 40th anniversary of INAS 318 and to celebrate International Women’s Day,
the Andaman and Nicobar Command carried out a maiden all-women maritime
surveillance mission.

The crew based at INS Utkrosh comprised Lt Cdr Shubhangi Swaroop, Lt Cdr Divya
Sharma and Lt Vaishali Mishra.

The occasion highlighted the crucial role played by women combatants in all walks
of the Naval Air Arm.

“Sea Defenders-2024” exercise was held between Indian and USA Coast Guard:

The US Coast Guard Ship Bertholf arrived at Port Blair on March 7, 2024, to conduct
a joint exercise with the Indian Coast Guard called “Sea Defenders-2024”.

The Indian Coast Guard has extensive interactions with the US Coast Guard,
particularly in training, exercises, and cooperative measures,

The joint exercise took place on 09-10 Mar 2024 off the coast of Port Blair.

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February:

India-Japan joint military exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN held in Rajasthan:

The 5th edition of military exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ between the Indian Army
and Japan Ground Self Defence Force commenced in Rajasthan.

It was aimed at reinforcing military cooperation, the exercise included tactical drills,
and special arms skills, and showcases India's defense innovation.

High-ranking officials, including Lt. Gen. TOGASHI Yuichi witnessed combat

demonstrations.

Trilateral exercise 'Dosti-16' kicked off in Maldives:

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The two ships of the Indian Coast Guard – ICGS Samarth and ICGS Abhinav were
sent for the 16th edition of the India-Sri-Lanka-Maldives trilateral exercise ‘Dosti’.

Sri Lanka also sent SLNS Samudra to participate.

The ‘Dosti’ drill started in 1991 as a bilateral exercise by the coast guards of India
and the Maldives. Sri Lanka joined it in 2012.

Military Exercise - 'Shanti Prayas IV' - kicked off in Nepal.

Multinational military exercise - 'Shanti Prayas IV' - kicked off in Nepal at the Army
headquarters with the participation of 19 countries, including India, Bangladesh,
and Pakistan to enhance interoperability.

PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” inaugurated the special ceremony.

The multinational military exercise took place at the Birendra Peace Operation
Training Centre.

12th edition of naval excercise MILAN held in Visakhapatnam:

MILAN exercise's 12th edition was held from Feb 19-27 in Visakhapatnam, featuring
over 50 countries.

The exercise was themed "Forging Naval Alliances For a Secure Maritime Future"

The two-phase exercise included Harbour Phase with seminars, tech expo, and Sea
Phase with advanced drills for participating navies to boost interoperability and
exchange best practices.

US, Australia, Japan conducted joint drills in South China Sea:

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Warships from the US, Australia, and Japan conducted joint drills in the South China
Sea, challenging Beijing's sovereignty claims.

The exercises aimed to promote transparency, rule of law, and freedom of

navigation in the strategic waterway.

China, which claims the entire South China Sea, objected to the foreign military
activities in the region.

January:

India-Saudi Arabia Joint Military Exercise ‘Sada Tanseeq’ took place:

India-Saudi Arabia Joint Military Exercise SADA TANSEEQ took place in Mahajan,
Rajasthan.

It was aimed at training troops for Joint Operations in Semi-Desert terrain under UN
Chapter VII.

Included Mobile Vehicle Check Post, Cordon & Search Operation, fostering
camaraderie.

A battalion from the Brigade of the Guards represented from Indian Army in this
exercise.

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NATO commenced largest military exercise, "Steadfast Defender 2024":

NATO launched Steadfast Defender 2024, marking its most extensive military
exercise since the Cold War, involving over 90,000 troops, more than 50 ships, and
various aircraft.

Steadfast Defender 2024 marked the implementation of NATO's first defense plans
in decades, outlining responses to potential aggression, particularly from Russia.

IAF conducted Exercise Desert Knight along with the French and UAE Air Forces:

The IAF conducted Exercise Desert Knight with the French Air and Space Force and
UAE Air Force at the Al Dhafra air base, UAE.

The exercise focused on enhancing synergy and interoperability, facilitating the

exchange of operational knowledge and best practices.

The exercise indicates growing diplomatic and military interactions in the region
and showcases IAF's prowess.

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India – Kyrgyzstan joint forces exercise 'KHANJAR' held in Himachal Pradesh:

The 11th Edition annual joint exercise, 'KHANJAR', was held at the Special Forces
Training School in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh, reinforcing military collaboration
between India and Kyrgyzstan.

With troops from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) representing India and
the Scorpion Brigade representing Kyrgyzstan, the exercise strengthened defense
ties and fosters bilateral relations.

India-Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise 'CYCLONE' took place in Anshas, Egypt:

The 2nd edition of Exercise Cyclone commenced, featuring a contingent of 25 Indian

Army personnel from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) alongside Egyptian
counterparts.

Aimed at familiarizing both sides with operating procedures in desert/semi-desert

terrains, the exercise focused on special operations under Chapter VII of the United
Nations Charter.

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Operation Sarvashakti: Indian Army to eliminate terrorists in J&K:

Operation Sarvashakti was launched by the Indian Army to eradicate terrorists in
Rajouri and Poonch areas.

The operation was conducted by the Srinagar-headquartered 15 Corps and

Nagrota-based 16 Corps of the Indian Army.

India-Japan coast guards conducted 'Sahyog-Kaijin' exercise:

The Indian and Japanese Coast Guards recently executed a fruitful joint exercise
named 'Sahyog Kaijin' off the coast of Chennai, emphasizing their commitment to
maritime cooperation.

The joint exercise is part of the continuing collaboration between India and Japan, as
outlined in the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) signed in 2006, focusing on
fostering strong ties and mutual understanding.

Indian-Thai Navy 1st bilateral exercise " Ex-Ayutthaya" took place:

The Indian and Royal Thai Navy ran their 1st bilateral exercise named 'Ex-Ayutthaya',
symbolizing the cultural importance of Ayodhya (India) and Ayutthaya (Thailand).

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'Ex-Ayutthaya' translates to 'The Invincible One', reflecting shared historic legacies &
rich ties between the two cities.

The Indian Naval ships Kulish and IN LCU 56 participated in the inaugural edition of
the exercise.

India and Japan Coast Guard conducted joint exercise in Chennai:

A five-day joint exercise focuses on pollution response training for hazardous and
narcotics substances, enhancing maritime pollution combat capabilities.

Indian ships Shaunak, Shaurya, Sujay, Rani Abbakka, Annie Besant, C-440, Sagar
Anveshika, Matsya Drishti, along with Japan ships Yahsima and Samudra Paheredar,
actively participate, showcasing a coordinated effort in maritime preparedness

The Indian Navy's P8I aircraft joined Exercise Sea Dragon-24 in Guam:

The Indian Navy's P8I aircraft landed at Guam, a US island territory, for Exercise Sea
Dragon - 24, enhancing India's global military outreach.

This exercise was aimed to augment synergy and interoperability among the navies
from the US, Australia, South Korea, and Japan.

Through professional on-ground and in-air interactions, cooperation among

participating countries was strengthened.

India and UAE conducted 'Desert Cyclone 2024' military exercise:

The military exercise took place from Jan 2 to Jan 15 in Rajasthan.

Bilateral defense collaboration included the production and development of

defense equipment, joint armed forces exercises, information sharing on strategy

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and doctrines, and technical cooperation.

The first-ever India-UAE Joint Air Forces exercise was held in September 2008 at Al-
Dhafra base in Abu Dhabi.

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