TROPEX-25: The Indian Navy’s major Theatre Level Operational Exercise (TROPEX) for 2025 is currently happening in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). This large-scale naval exercise takes place every two years and involves all operational units of the Indian Navy, along with significant participation from the Indian Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard.
This year, TROPEX-25 is being conducted over three months, from January to March, and includes a wide range of naval operations. A recently concluded phase saw jointmanship drills, where senior military leaders, including Lieutenant General Johnson P Mathew, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC), along with the vice chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, were present onboard the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.
Indian Navy Boosts Strike Power with New Russia Missile Deal
According to the Indian Navy, the exercise features a combination of fleets, including about 65 Indian Navy ships, nine submarines, and over 80 different types of aircraft. INS Vikrant, India’s indigenous aircraft carrier, is playing a key role, along with fighter jets such as the Sukhoi-30 and Jaguar.
The main focus of TROPEX-25 is on strengthening coordination between India’s military forces, ensuring they can operate together efficiently in times of conflict or crisis.
India’s Naval Partnerships: Bilateral and Multilateral Exercises
Beyond TROPEX-25, the Indian Navy actively engages in several naval exercises with partner countries. These exercises help improve operational skills, boost cooperation, and enhance maritime security. Here’s a look at some of the key exercises the Indian Navy conducts with other nations.
Milan
One of the Indian Navy’s most significant multilateral exercises, Milan was first held in 1995 with just four countries—Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Over the years, it has grown to include over 40 participating nations. The primary aim is to develop operational skills, exchange best practices, and improve cooperation between friendly navies.
Varuna
Varuna is an annual naval exercise between India and France that began in 1993 but was officially named ‘Varuna’ in 2001. It is usually held in the first half of the year, alternating between the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The 2024 edition took place in the western Arabian Sea and featured advanced air defense and anti-submarine warfare drills.
Konkan
Since 2004, India and the United Kingdom have been conducting the Konkan exercise, an annual bilateral naval drill. It is held alternately in Indian and UK waters and focuses on surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, seamanship drills, and maritime interdiction operations. The goal is to strengthen interoperability and maritime cooperation.
INDRA
INDRA is a military exercise between India and Russia that includes the Navy, Army, and Air Force. The naval component takes place every two years and focuses on joint operations, counter-terrorism, and anti-piracy drills. The exercises are conducted in both Indian and Russian territorial waters.
Strengthening Ties: India-Bhutan’s Strategic Defence Partnership
Malabar
The Malabar exercise began in 1992 as a bilateral naval drill between India and the United States. Japan became a permanent participant in 2015, and Australia joined in 2020, making it a key exercise for the Quad nations. Malabar alternates between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and the 2024 edition was held in the Bay of Bengal from October 8 to 18.
Simbex
The Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) was established in 1994 and is India’s longest-running uninterrupted bilateral naval exercise with any country. The exercise enhances maritime cooperation and focuses on anti-submarine warfare, air defense, and surface combat tactics.
IBSAMAR
IBSAMAR is a trilateral naval exercise involving India, Brazil, and South Africa. The name is derived from India-Brazil-South Africa Maritime. In 2024, the exercise was held in October. It aims to strengthen naval cooperation and enhance interoperability among the three nations.
Sitmex
The Singapore-India-Thailand Maritime Exercise (SITMEX) was first conducted in 2019. This annual exercise focuses on maritime security and operational coordination between the three countries. It includes tactical drills and naval operations that contribute to regional maritime stability.
Slinex
SLINEX is a bilateral naval exercise between India and Sri Lanka, initiated in 2005. Conducted either annually or biennially, it focuses on maritime operations such as anti-piracy, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and maritime interdiction. The exercises take place in both Indian and Sri Lankan waters.
Naseem-al-bahr
‘Naseem-Al-Bahr’ translates to ‘Sea Breeze’ and is a biennial naval exercise between India and Oman. It has been conducted since 1993 and focuses on maritime security, surface warfare, anti-air warfare, and seamanship drills. The exercise highlights the strong maritime ties between India and Oman.
ausindex
AUSINDEX is a biennial naval exercise between India and Australia that started in 2015. It aims to enhance naval cooperation and includes anti-submarine warfare, air defense drills, and maritime domain awareness operations. This exercise strengthens the growing defense partnership between India and Australia.
JMIEX
The Japan-India Maritime Exercise (JIMEX) began in 2012 and takes place every two years. It focuses on maritime security cooperation and involves training in anti-submarine warfare, air defense, and surface warfare operations. The exercise alternates between the Indian Ocean and Japanese waters, strengthening defense relations between the two nations.
Za’ir-al-bahr
‘Za’ir-Al-Bahr,’ meaning ‘Roar of the Sea,’ is a biennial naval exercise between India and Qatar that began in 2019. It focuses on maritime security, surface warfare, anti-piracy, and maritime interdiction operations, improving coordination between the two navies.
Indian Navy Boosts Strike Power with New Russia Missile Deal
Bongosagar
A naval exercise between India and Bangladesh, Bongosagar enhances maritime cooperation between the neighboring nations. The focus is on joint patrols, anti-smuggling efforts, and maritime security.
zayed talwar
India conducts the Zayed Talwar exercise with the UAE Navy, reflecting growing defense ties between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations. The exercise focuses on maritime security and operational coordination.
Al-mohed al-hindi
India and Saudi Arabia conduct the Al-Mohed Al-Hindi naval exercise to boost maritime collaboration. It focuses on naval warfare tactics and strengthening bilateral military relations.
Corpat (coordinated patrols)
India conducts Coordinated Patrols (CORPAT) with Thailand, Indonesia, and Myanmar. These exercises focus on maritime security, anti-piracy, anti-smuggling, and regional stability. CORPAT ensures safe and secure seas along shared maritime boundaries.
