India, while maintaining its longstanding defence partnerships with both the United States and Russia, is planning to dispatch military units to both nations on Saturday to partake in military exercises. This decision coincides with the recent announcement from Washington regarding a new arms package intended to assist Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Moscow.
The 'Yudh Abhyas' exercise with the United States in Alaska signifies a valuable bilateral endeavour, whereas the exercise in Vladivostok, Russia, serves as a multi-nation counter-terrorism drill, with the inclusion of China as well, enhancing its significance.
India has expressed continued concerns regarding the strategic alliance between Russia and China, particularly with regard to the prolonged military standoff in eastern Ladakh, which has been ongoing for four years, and the consequences of the conflict in Ukraine that started last February.
A contingent of 350 soldiers from the esteemed Maratha Light Infantry Regiment of the Indian Army will be partaking in the Yudh Abhyas exercise in the picturesque region of Alaska. This significant exercise, scheduled from September 25 to October 8, will primarily concentrate on enhancing combat capabilities in challenging high-altitude and extreme weather circumstances, as per an official announcement.
It is worth noting that the previous edition of the 'Yudh Abhyas' exercise was conducted in the high-altitude region of Auli in Uttarakhand, which is situated just 100 kilometres away from the Line of Actual Control with China. China expressed its concern over this exercise, advising the United States to refrain from involvement in its relationship with India, and accusing New Delhi of disregarding border agreements.
Additionally, a select group of soldiers from the Rajputana Rifles will have the opportunity to take part in a counter-terrorism field training exercise during the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-EWG (expert working group) in Russia. This exercise, which will be held from September 25 to 30, will involve the participation of the 10 ASEAN member countries, as well as India, Russia, and China.
The main objective of this exercise, organized by Russia in partnership with Myanmar as the co-chair of the EWG, is to enhance regional cooperation in the area of counter-terrorism. Moreover, it provides the Indian Army with a valuable opportunity to contribute its considerable expertise in counter-terrorism.
It is important to mention that in 2020, India decided to withdraw from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) counter-terrorism exercise 'Kavkaz' in Russia due to concerns about the participation of Chinese and Pakistani troops in the drills. This decision was made in the context of increased tensions with China following the violent clashes in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on June 15 of that year.
India and the United States frequently engage in a variety of exercises, including bilateral 'Yudh Abhyas' and the Malabar naval wargames, which also involve other 'Quad' countries like Australia and Japan. During his visit to India for the SCO defence ministers' meeting in April, Russian Defense Minister Sergei K. Shoigu expressed concerns about the United States and alliances like the Quad and AUKUS (an alliance among the US, UK, and Australia) for their provision of nuclear-powered submarines.
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