Indra 2025, India-Russia joint military exercise at Mahajan Field Firing Range, Rajasthan, enhances counter-terrorism synergy and Indo-Pacific security.

A Legacy of Collaboration: The Evolution of Indra

Since its inception in 2003 as a modest naval maneuver off India’s west coast, Exercise Indra has evolved into a cornerstone of Indo-Russian defense ties, expanding to encompass land, air, and sea domains. The 2025 edition marks the 15th overall iteration (following the naval-focused 14th edition in March-April off Chennai), emphasizing ground forces interoperability. Over the years, Indra has facilitated the exchange of tactical expertise, from anti-submarine warfare in the Bay of Bengal to high-altitude simulations in the Himalayas. This year’s focus aligns with shared priorities: enhancing joint operations against non-state actors, a nod to mutual experiences in regions like Afghanistan and the Middle East.

The exercise runs until October 15, 2025, involving approximately 250 Russian troops from specialized counter-terrorism units alongside an equal contingent from the Indian Army’s infantry battalions. Desert terrain at Mahajan—spanning over 5,000 square kilometers—provides an ideal proving ground for arid-environment tactics, mirroring operational challenges in India’s northwest borders and Russia’s Central Asian flanks.

Core Objectives: Sharpening Counter-Terrorism Tactics

At its heart, Indra 2025 is designed to refine synergy in combating international terrorism. Key maneuvers include:

• Joint Tactical Drills: Simulated urban assaults, hostage rescues, and convoy protections, integrating infantry, armored units, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for real-time intelligence sharing.
• Counter-IED and CQB Operations: Close-quarters battle (CQB) scenarios emphasizing improvised explosive device (IED) neutralization, drawing from Russia’s Syrian engagements and India’s Jammu & Kashmir operations.
• Logistics and Communications Integration: Enhancing secure comms protocols and supply chain resilience, with live-fire exercises using small arms, mortars, and anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs).

These elements not only boost operational readiness but also foster “tactical airlift” simulations with Indian Mi-17V5 helicopters and Russian equivalents, highlighting interoperability in rapid deployment scenarios. As per the Russian Ministry of Defense, the drills prioritize “refining counterterrorism tactics,” including scenario-based planning for hybrid threats like drone swarms and cyber-enabled insurgencies.

Strategic Implications: Indo-Pacific Security and Beyond

Beyond the tactical, Indra 2025 carries profound geopolitical weight. Conducted just weeks after India’s participation in Russia’s Zapad 2025 multilateral exercise (September 10-16 at Nizhny Novgorod, involving 65 Indian tri-service personnel), it reinforces New Delhi’s multi-alignment strategy—balancing QUAD partnerships with traditional Russian alliances. In the Indo-Pacific context, where terrorism intersects with maritime chokepoints like the Strait of Malacca, these drills signal a unified front against non-traditional threats, potentially deterring adversarial proxies.

For India, the exercise advances “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” goals by testing indigenous platforms like the Akash SAM system alongside Russian-supplied S-400 batteries. Russia, facing Western sanctions, benefits from tech transfers in areas like electronic warfare (EW) jammers. Experts note that Indra’s outcomes could inform joint R&D on next-gen counter-drone tech, vital amid rising Houthi-style attacks in the Indian Ocean.

Expert Takes: Voices from the Field

As the exercise unfolds, expect on-ground visuals of T-90 tanks maneuvering with BMP-3 IFVs, underscoring a partnership that’s as resilient as the Thar Desert itself. Stay tuned to DefenceNiti for live updates and analysis—because in defense, synergy is sovereignty.