In October and November 2025, India hosted or participated in at least seven bilateral military exercises, while the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force carried out three major tri-service exercises across the country’s land, sea and air space.

The bilateral and multilateral exercises involving India during this period included:

• Exercise Konkan-2025, a naval exercise between India and the United Kingdom, commenced on October 5, 2025, off India’s western coast.

• Exercise Indra-2025, a joint India–Russia Army exercise, was held from October 6 to 15, 2025, at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Bikaner, Rajasthan.

• Exercise Mitra Shakti-2025, the 11th edition of the India–Sri Lanka joint military exercise, was conducted from November 10 to 23, 2025, in Belagavi, Karnataka.

• A bilateral air exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the US Air Force was conducted from November 10 to 13, 2025, to enhance interoperability.

• Exercise Malabar 2025, a multilateral naval drill involving the US, Japan and Australia, began with a harbour phase on October 28, 2025, in Guam.

• Exercise Austra Hind, a bilateral Army exercise with Australia, was conducted in Perth from October 13 to 26, 2025.

• Exercise Garuda-2025, an air exercise between the Indian and French Air Forces, was conducted from November 16 to 27, 2025.

In addition, the Indian armed forces conducted three major tri-service exercises—Astra Shakti, Trishul and Poorvi Prachand Prahar—during October and November 2025.

Astra Shakti: High-Altitude Power Projection

Exercise Astra Shakti was conducted in the high-altitude areas of Ladakh, showcasing long-range precision artillery fire, swarm drones, counter-UAS operations and commando action in extreme icy terrain. Witnessed by the Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, the drill underscored multi-domain dominance and synergy with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). It was described as a “thunderous validation” of India’s readiness in one of the world’s harshest battle environments.

India redefined high-altitude warfare as early as 1947–48, fighting at heights over 11,500 feet and even transporting tanks there—far beyond the Alpine benchmarks of Western militaries.

Trishul: Testing Multi-Domain Warfare in the West

Exercise Trishul was held along the western frontier—including Sir Creek, the Rann of Kutch, the Saurashtra coast, desert regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat, and the northern Arabian Sea.

The objectives were to validate joint operational capabilities across the Army, Navy and Air Force in a large multi-domain environment—land, air, sea, cyber and space.

The scale was significant:

• Over 20 warships

• Around 40 fighter aircraft (including Rafale and Su-30MKI)

• Tanks, amphibious assets

• 50,000+ personnel

Sir Creek, one of Asia’s richest fishing grounds and strategically linked to the delimitation of the EEZ, has seen a rise in Pakistani military activity including new bunkers, observation posts and logistics facilities.

During a Vijayadashami visit to Bhuj on October 2, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warned Pakistan against any “misadventure” in the Sir Creek area, saying India’s response could “change history and geography”. He also inaugurated a Tidal Independent Berthing Facility and a Joint Control Centre to strengthen coastal security.

Pakistan reacted sharply:

• It shut down multiple airspace sectors via expanded NOTAMs.

• It scrambled fighter jets from Shorkot, Risalpur and Mianwali early on October 30, minutes before India’s NOTAM for Trishul took effect.

The Western Naval Command coordinated large-scale maritime, amphibious and desert operations involving the three services, the Indian Coast Guard, BSF and other agencies.

Poorvi Prachand Prahar: Bolstering the Eastern Front

Exercise Poorvi Prachand Prahar was held in the eastern theatre, including the Siliguri Corridor and Mechuka in Arunachal Pradesh near the LAC. The aim was to enhance integrated joint capabilities and prepare for emerging threats on the northeastern frontier.

Recent intelligence assessments point to:

• Increased ISI and Pakistan-backed terror networks operating in Bangladesh with Chinese support,

• Establishment of new training camps,

• The Muhammad Yunus government allegedly enabling radical groups and narco-terror networks,

• A reported “unchecked corridor” that facilitated Pakistani operatives,

• Efforts to develop military infrastructure near the Siliguri Corridor, including the revival of Lalmonirhat airbase with Chinese assistance.

India responded by deploying multi-layered weapon systems in the Siliguri Corridor. Lt Gen Shokin Chauhan (Retd), former DG Assam Rifles, said that if Bangladesh attempted to tamper with the corridor, India could expand the 22-km stretch to up to 70 km within 72 hours.

The IAF also celebrated its 93rd Anniversary with a spectacular flying display over the Brahmaputra in Guwahati.

What the Exercises Achieved

India’s tri-service exercises helped validate:
a) Integrated ISR, electronic warfare (EW) and cyber warfare architecture
b) Effective deployment of indigenous systems under Atmanirbhar Bharat
c) Procedures for emerging threats and modern warfare
d) Full-spectrum joint operations and inter-service coordination
e) Integration of key CAPFs and other agencies for unified national defence

Why These Mega Drills Matter

Two strategic reasons stand out:

1. Operational follow-through after Op Sindoor:
   While Op Sindoor showcased India’s high-tech capability, major integrated exercises are needed to refine joint procedures across land, sea and air.

2. Strategic signalling:
   The exercises project India’s capability and political will to safeguard its territorial integrity. The US seems to acknowledge this: on October 31, 2025, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh signed a 10-year Defence Framework, called a “cornerstone for regional stability and deterrence”.

Since Op Sindoor, PM Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar have signalled clearly that India will not be treated as a pushover. India’s military performance—and these exercises—have strengthened that message. Several countries have shown interest in acquiring Indian military platforms, a trend likely to grow after Ex Trishul.

To Pakistan’s military leadership, the message remains unambiguous: avoid misadventures, from any direction and in any domain.

(The author is a strategic affairs analyst and former Defence Ministry and Indian Army spokesperson. He can be contacted at wordsword02@gmail.com, https://www.linkedin.com/in/anil-bhat-70b94766/ and @ColAnilBhat8252.)