India will participate in a multilateral joint military exercise ‘ZAPAD’ in Russia from 10-16 September, aimed at enhancing mutuality and providing a platform for exchanging strategies, techniques, and procedures in the field of conventional warfare and counter-terrorism operations.

A contingent of the Indian Armed Forces departed for the Mulino training ground in Nizhny, Russia on 09 September 2025. This contingent will participate in the multilateral joint military exercise ‘ZAPAD’ 2025 to be held from 10-16 September 2025.
The team includes 57 personnel from the Indian Army, 7 from the Indian Air Force, and 1 from the Indian Navy. The Indian Army contingent is led by a battalion of the Kumaon Regiment along with personnel from other forces.
The objective of the multilateral exercise ZAPAD 2025 is to enhance military cooperation, improve interoperability, and provide participating forces with a platform to exchange strategies, techniques, and procedures in the field of conventional warfare and counter-terrorism operations.
The exercise will focus on joint company-level operations in open and flat terrain, where soldiers will conduct various missions such as joint planning, tactical exercises, and specialized weapon skills. It will provide a valuable opportunity to refine joint operational capabilities, integrate emerging technologies, and operate in a multinational warfare environment.

Other exercises

The 14th edition of the bilateral naval exercise Indra-2025 between India and Russia was held in Chennai. This is a bilateral naval exercise regularly conducted since 2003.
The Chennai port phase included exchange of experts, ship visits, and sports activities. The Bay of Bengal sea phase included advanced exercises such as tactical maneuvers, anti-air operations, and helicopter landings.

Operation Rahat

After the severe floods in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir, the Indian Army’s Western Command is leading large-scale humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations under Operation Rahat.
In just two weeks, the Army has evacuated over 6,000 people, provided medical assistance to 13,000 civilians, and delivered 48 tons of essential supplies to affected communities.
So far, 82 HADR missions have been conducted using 59 Army units including 17 Engineer Task Forces. The rescued individuals include 300 paramilitary personnel and thousands of stranded civilians.
The Indian Army’s Western Command, located at Chandimandir Cantonment near Chandigarh, is responsible for the security of India’s western border. Established in 1947, this command oversees armies in various regions, including Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Rajasthan.