In an effort to uphold an important balance in its defense alliances with both the United States and Russia, India is preparing to send military units to engage in combat exercises in the near future. According to a report from The Times of India, this decision coincides with the United States unveiling a fresh arms assistance package aimed at bolstering Ukraine's ongoing defense efforts in the conflict with Russia.

India's involvement in two concurrent military exercises holds strategic significance in its diplomatic landscape. One of these exercises, known as 'Yudh Abhyas,' is slated to take place in Alaska alongside the United States. It involves a contingent of 350 soldiers from the Indian Army's Maratha Light Infantry Regiment and is scheduled from September 25 to October 8. The primary focus of this brigade-level exercise will be on honing combat capabilities in high-altitude and extreme climatic conditions.

Simultaneously, India is set to participate in a multi-nation counter-terrorism drill hosted in Vladivostok, Russia. Notably, among the participating nations is China. A smaller group of soldiers from the Rajputana Rifles will partake in this field training exercise during the ASEAN Defense ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-plus-Expert Working Group (EWG) sessions, scheduled from September 25 to 30. This exercise is unique in its inclusion of ten ASEAN member countries, along with India, Russia, and China.

The context of these military endeavors underscores India's complex balancing act between its defense partnerships with the United States and Russia. India's growing concerns are particularly heightened by the deepening strategic alignment between Russia and China. This alignment has become a source of apprehension for India, especially against the backdrop of the enduring military standoff in eastern Ladakh, which has persisted for four years now. Furthermore, India is closely monitoring the evolving situation in Ukraine, where a conflict has been ongoing since February of the previous year.

It's worth noting that the previous edition of the 'Yudh Abhyas' exercise took place in the high-altitude region of Auli in Uttarakhand, situated just 100 kilometers from the Line of Actual Control with China. This location triggered a strong reaction from China, which cautioned the United States against interfering in its relationship with India and accused New Delhi of violating border agreements.

An official explained, "The main objective of the exercise, which Russia is hosting as a co-chair of the EWG along with Myanmar, is to strengthen regional cooperation in the field of counter-terrorism. It will also provide the Indian Army with a platform to share its wide expertise in counter-terrorism."
India and the United States engage in routine military exercises, including 'Yudh Abhyas' and the Malabar naval wargames, which also feature Australia and Japan as part of the 'Quad' group.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei K Shoigu, during his visit to India for the SCO defense ministers' meeting in April, expressed strong criticism of the United States, the Quad, and AUKUS, perceiving their actions as attempts to contain China.

Image source: ANI