Russia and India Launch Joint Military Drills “Indra 2025” in Rajasthan — October 7, 2025

Russia and India Launch Joint Military Drills “Indra 2025” in Rajasthan

On October 7, 2025, Russia and India officially began their joint military exercises, “Indra 2025”, at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan, India. The 10-day military drill, which runs from October 6 to October 15, involves around 250 Russian troops alongside Indian soldiers. The exercises aim to strengthen defense cooperation, joint operational capabilities, and strategic understanding between the two long-standing partners.

According to official reports from the Russian and Indian Defense Ministries, the primary goal of Indra 2025 is to enhance coordination in counter-terrorism operations, improve command-and-control systems, and develop mutual readiness to respond to modern security challenges. The training includes tactical maneuvers, live-fire exercises, intelligence sharing, communication coordination, and command simulations in desert warfare conditions.

Rajasthan was specifically chosen for its challenging terrain and extreme desert environment, allowing both armies to conduct operations under realistic combat conditions. Defense experts say that training in such climates strengthens troop endurance, adaptability, and strategic response in high-stress environments.

The Indra series of exercises, launched in 2003, remains a key symbol of the deep-rooted military partnership between India and Russia. Conducted alternately in both countries, these drills cover land, air, and naval operations, focusing on interoperability and joint response capabilities. Over the years, Indra exercises have evolved from basic cooperation to advanced counter-terror and combined tactical operations.

The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that this year’s exercise focuses on combating terrorism through joint planning, intelligence exchange, and command coordination. Soldiers are engaging in simulated counter-insurgency missions, testing modern equipment, and improving response speed to hybrid threats. Russian officials emphasized that Indra 2025 symbolizes the enduring strategic bond between Moscow and New Delhi, even amid changing global dynamics.

Meanwhile, the Indian Ministry of Defence described the drills as a testament to the “ever-growing trust and collaboration” between the two nations. Indian officials highlighted that Indra 2025 reflects New Delhi’s balanced diplomatic stance — maintaining strong defense ties with Moscow while pursuing cooperation with Western allies.

Defense analysts note that the timing of these exercises holds significant geopolitical importance. As Western countries continue to isolate Russia over the Ukraine conflict, India’s participation in Indra 2025 demonstrates its independent foreign policy and commitment to multi-alignment. The drills also reinforce regional stability and mutual security objectives amid growing global uncertainty.

Ultimately, Indra 2025 marks another chapter in the long-standing India-Russia defense partnership — a relationship that combines military trust, strategic coordination, and geopolitical balance. These exercises not only boost joint combat readiness but also send a clear message of solidarity and shared defense priorities between the two nations.