Indian Army Plans Major Multinational Exercise In May–June To Boost Global Military Cooperation

Last Updated:February 26, 2026, 21:00 IST

The Indian Army will host a major multinational exercise in eastern India, involving ASEAN and BIMSTEC nations, aiming to boost interoperability and defence ties.

The Indian Army is preparing to host a large multinational military exercise in May or June this year, marking another step in its growing international defence engagement. Preparatory work has already begun, and formal outreach to partner countries is expected to start soon.

According to officials aware of the planning, the upcoming drill will focus on improving interoperability and strengthening operational coordination among participating forces. The exercise is being designed against the backdrop of a changing security environment, where joint training and shared preparedness have become increasingly important.

In the financial year 2025–26, the Indian Army has already carried out 27 bilateral exercises with foreign militaries. While such engagements form part of its regular annual calendar, the proposed multinational exercise is expected to be larger in scale and wider in participation. It may go beyond India’s traditional defence partners.

Sources indicate that countries from groupings such as ASEAN and BIMSTEC are likely to take part in significant numbers, although invitations are not expected to be restricted to these blocs. The exercise is likely to take place in eastern India. The broader aim is to strengthen India’s position as a reliable land warfare partner in the Indo-Pacific region and neighbouring areas.

India has hosted similar high-level engagements in recent years. In 2024, New Delhi organised the United Nations Troop Contributing Countries Chiefs’ Conclave, which brought together senior military leaders from 32 nations contributing troops to UN peacekeeping missions. Discussions centred on mandate clarity, operational issues and reforms in peacekeeping operations.

Earlier, in 2023, the Indian Army conducted IPACC, IPAMS and SELF-2023 alongside the US Army as co-host. The event saw participation from 30 countries. Eighteen nations were represented by their Army Chiefs, while 12 sent Heads of Delegations.

Apart from the planned multinational drill, several bilateral exercises are also scheduled in the coming months. Exercise La Mitiyé with Seychelles will be held in March. This will be followed by joint drills with Egypt and Saudi Arabia in April. In May, India and Uzbekistan are also set to conduct a military exercise together.

With another large-scale multinational engagement on the horizon, the Indian Army appears set to further expand its defence diplomacy through direct, on-ground cooperation with partner nations.

News india Indian Army Plans Major Multinational Exercise In May–June To Boost Global Military Cooperation

Read More