Zapad-2025: Russia’s Massive War Games with Belarus See India’s Participation, Stirring Global Geopolitics and U.S. Concerns
Amid escalating tensions with NATO, Russia staged a large-scale joint military exercise with Belarus, codenamed Zapad-2025, which drew global attention and heightened U.S. concerns.
India’s participation in the drills stood out as a significant development, symbolizing its deepening defense cooperation with Moscow despite geopolitical sensitivities.
The exercise, which concluded on 16 September, mobilized nearly 100,000 troops, supported by nuclear-capable bombers and naval warships. Russian President Vladimir Putin, clad in military attire, personally oversaw the final phase of the maneuvers.
The drills coincided with Poland’s claim that it had shot down a Russian drone in its airspace, adding further strain to NATO-Russia relations.
India contributed a 65-member contingent from the esteemed Kumaon Regiment. The Ministry of Defence clarified that India’s participation was aimed at building “cooperation and mutual trust” with Russia.
Alongside India, military personnel from Iran, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Mali also took part, reflecting Moscow’s effort to expand its global partnerships.
Analysts predict that Washington will view India’s presence in Zapad-2025 with skepticism. This comes against the backdrop of U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose 50% tariffs on India, accusing New Delhi of indirectly backing Russia in the Ukraine conflict through oil purchases.
Trump even declared on X (formerly Twitter) that “India and Russia have now drifted toward China,” pointing to the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China, where India, Russia, and China appeared more closely aligned.
However, Trump’s stance shifted just days later. Acknowledging ongoing trade negotiations with India, he struck a softer tone. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in turn, described the U.S. as a “close friend and natural partner” and expressed confidence that bilateral trade discussions could unlock “infinite possibilities.
” Modi also thanked Trump for his 75th birthday wishes, reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening ties with Washington. Experts see these exchanges as attempts by both sides to recalibrate strained relations.
India’s presence in Russian-led exercises is not new. In 2021, Indian troops participated in joint drills in Russia’s Volgograd region. India and Russia share a long-standing defense partnership that dates back to the Cold War, when New Delhi pursued a non-aligned strategy but relied heavily on Soviet arms.
Today, Russia remains India’s largest supplier of military hardware, though acquisitions from the U.S., France, and Israel have steadily increased over the past two decades.
Iran’s role in Zapad-2025 also attracted attention, although Tehran has yet to issue an official confirmation. Western intelligence agencies allege that Iran supplies Russia with Shahed drones and ballistic missiles used in the Ukraine war. Meanwhile,
Moscow and Tehran recently formalized a comprehensive strategic partnership, signaling closer military and political ties.
In an unexpected move, the United States accepted an invitation to observe the Zapad-2025 drills. Analysts suggest this reflects Washington’s dual approach: while demanding an end to the Russia-Ukraine war, it is simultaneously seeking deeper diplomatic engagement with Belarus, a staunch Russian ally.
Zapad-2025 thus highlights the shifting landscape of global geopolitics, where major powers balance cooperation, competition, and confrontation in pursuit of their strategic interests.
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