Exercise Zapad 2025

Overview

• • Type: Multilateral military exercise (Russia-led)
  • Venue: Mulino Training Ground, Nizhniy, Russia
  • Since: Soviet era; modern series from 2009 (quadrennial)
  • India’s Participation: Earlier in 2021 & now in 2025

Objectives

• • Strengthen defence cooperation & trust
  • Enhance interoperability & joint tactics
  • Build counter-terrorism & conventional warfare capacity
  • Exposure to multinational combat & new technologies

Key Features

• • Participants: Indian Army, Navy & Air Force

Focus Areas:

• • Joint company-level operations in plains
  • Tactical drills & arms proficiency
  • Special operations & counter-terrorism

Outcome:

• • Operational synergy
  • Shared military learning
  • Stronger India–Russia defence ties