New Delhi/Moscow, September 18: India has sent troops to join Russian-led Zapad-2025 war games that concluded on Tuesday, even as Moscow and its ally Belarus rehearsed the launch of tactical nuclear weapons and showcased the Oreshnik hypersonic missile, underscoring deepening global security tensions.
The Indian defence ministry confirmed that 65 personnel from the Kumaon Regiment took part in the drills, hosted across Russia and Belarus and involving about 100,000 troops. Russian President Vladimir Putin attended in military attire, observing operations alongside Defence Minister Andrei Belousov.
Belarus confirmed that the exercises included simulated use of Russian tactical nuclear weapons, while President Alexander Lukashenko said such rehearsals were “natural” given Moscow’s arsenal. “We are not planning to threaten anyone with this,” he told state media.
Troops from Iran, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of Congo and Mali also joined the five-day exercises, which Western analysts said were intended to intimidate Europe. Last week, Poland and NATO said Russian drones had violated Polish airspace.
The drills highlight India’s effort to maintain its longstanding defence ties with Moscow, even as relations with Washington have come under strain. President Donald Trump last month imposed 50% tariffs on Indian imports, accusing New Delhi of fuelling Russia’s war in Ukraine through oil purchases.
Despite the tensions, Trump on Tuesday called Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 75th birthday, with both leaders describing each other as “friends” and pledging to continue talks on trade barriers.
India, which sources much of its military hardware from Russia but has increasingly courted the United States as a counterweight to China, also joined Russian drills in 2021. Officials said the latest participation was aimed at building “mutual trust and cooperation” with Moscow.
Iran’s role in Zapad-2025 further underscored its strategic alignment with Russia, having recently signed a comprehensive partnership treaty and supplied drones used in Ukraine.
The Pentagon said its officials observed the drills in Belarus after accepting an invitation from Minsk, calling such exchanges “common practice between militaries.”
