Indian Army to participate in multi-nation military exercise in Russia where Pakistan, China will be 'observers'

New Delhi, Sept 1: A 200-strong Indian Army contingent will participate in a multi-nation military exercise in Russia from September 3 to September 16. ‘Exercise ZAPAD 2021’ will see the participation of a dozen nations, including Pakistan and China, who are participating as observers.

 

 

In a statement, the Army said that ZAPAD 2021 is "one of the theatre level exercises of the Russian Armed Forces and will focus primarily on operations against terrorists". The statement mentioned that over a dozen countries from the Eurasian and south Asian regions will participate.

 

 

A group of the Naga Battalion will participate, the Army said, adding that it will feature an all-arms combined task force. "The exercise aims to enhance military and strategic ties amongst the participating nations while they plan & execute this exercise."

 

Further, it said that the Indian Contingent has been put through a strenuous training schedule that encompasses all facets of conventional operations including mechanized, airborne & heliborne, counter-terrorism, combat conditioning, and firing.

 

 

In all, 17 countries have been invited by Russia for the exercise. Of these nine are Participating countries which include Mongolia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Serbia, Russia, India and Belarus. The other eight countries are Observers which include Pakistan, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Uzbekistan and Sri Lanka.