Indian Navy's massive three-month long TROPEX-25 underway: Here's a look at bilateral and multilateral exercises it hosts

The 2025 edition of the Indian Navy’s capstone Theatre Level Operational Exercise (TROPEX) is presently underway in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

All of the Indian Navy’s operational units, alongside several participants from Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Coast Guard assets, are involved in this biennial exercise.

TROPEX 25 is being conducted over a duration of three months from January through March. In one recently concluded phase that included jointmanship drills, Lieutenant General Johnson P Mathew, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC), and vice chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force were present onboard INS Vikrant.

TROPEX-25 includes an array of dynamic naval operations and features combined fleets comprising approximately 65 Indian Navy ships, nine submarines and over 80 aircraft of different types, according to a statement by the Indian Navy. The indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and fighter jets like Sukhoi-30 and Jaguar are also taking part.

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Beyond the domestic TROPEX-25, the Indian Navy maintains a robust schedule of bilateral and multilateral exercises with navies around the world. Here’s a closer look at some of the key naval exercises the Indian Navy conducts:

1. Milan

Initiated in 1995, Milan is a biennial multilateral naval exercise hosted by the Indian Navy. Starting with the participation of only four countries, viz Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand, in the 1995 edition, the exercise has since expanded in terms of number of participants (over 40 now). The aim of the exercise is to hone operational skills, imbibe best practices and procedures, and enable doctrinal learning in the maritime domain, through professional interaction between friendly navies.

2. Varuna

Varuna is an annual bilateral naval exercise between India and France, initiated in 1993 and named ‘Varuna’ in 2001. Typically held in the first half of the year, the exercise alternates between the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

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The 2024 edition took place in the western Arabian Sea, involving advanced air defence and anti-submarine warfare drills.

3. Konkan

Established in 2004, Konkan is an annual bilateral exercise between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom. Usually conducted in the latter half of the year, it alternates between the UK and India.

The exercise focuses on surface and anti-submarine warfare, seamanship evolutions, and maritime interdiction operations, enhancing interoperability and maritime cooperation.

4. INDRA

INDRA is a bilateral exercise between India and Russia, encompassing all three services: Navy, Army, and Air Force. The naval component typically occurs biennially, focusing on joint operations, anti-piracy, and counter-terrorism drills. The exercises are held in both Indian and Russian territorial waters.

5. Malabar

Malabar began in 1992 as a bilateral exercise between India and the United States. Japan became a permanent participant in 2015, and Australia joined in 2020, making it an exercise among the navies of the Quad countries.

Held annually, it alternates between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The 2024 edition was conducted in the Bay of Bengal from October 8 to 18.

6. SIMBEX

The Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) was initiated in 1994. SIMBEX is the Indian Navy’s longest uninterrupted bilateral maritime exercise with any foreign navy.

7. IBSAMAR

IBSAMAR is a trilateral naval exercise between India, Brazil, and South Africa. The name is an abbreviation of India-Brazil-South Africa Maritime. In 2024, the exercise took place in October.

8. SITMEX

The Singapore-India-Thailand Maritime Exercise (SITMEX) was first conducted in 2019. Held annually, it aims to enhance maritime interoperability and strengthen mutual confidence among the three navies. The exercise includes tactical drills covering a range of naval operations, contributing to regional maritime security.

9. SLINEX

SLINEX is a bilateral naval exercise between India and Sri Lanka, initiated in 2005. Held annually or biennially, it focuses on enhancing interoperability in maritime operations such as anti-piracy, maritime interdiction, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR). The exercises alternate between Indian and Sri Lankan waters.

10. Naseem-Al-Bahr

Naseem-Al-Bahr, meaning ‘Sea Breeze,’ is a bilateral naval exercise between India and Oman, conducted since 1993. Held biennially, it focuses on maritime security operations, including surface and anti-air warfare, and seamanship evolutions. The exercise underscores the strong maritime ties between the two nations.

11. AUSINDEX

AUSINDEX is a bilateral naval exercise between India and Australia, initiated in 2015. Held biennially, it aims to enhance interoperability and strengthen professional relationships. The exercises include anti-submarine warfare, air defense drills, and maritime domain awareness operations, reflecting the shared commitment to regional security.

12. JIMEX

The Japan-India Maritime Exercise (JIMEX) began in 2012. Held biennially, it focuses on maritime security cooperation, including anti-submarine warfare, air defense, and surface warfare operations. The exercise alternates between the Indian Ocean and the waters around Japan, highlighting the strategic partnership between the two nations.

13. Za’ir-Al-Bahr

Za’ir-Al-Bahr, meaning ‘Roar of the Sea,’ is a bilateral naval exercise between India and Qatar, first held in 2019. Conducted biennially, it focuses on maritime security operations, including surface warfare, anti-piracy, and maritime interdiction operations, enhancing interoperability between the two navies.

15. Bongosagar

A joint initiative with the Bangladesh Navy, Bongosagar strengthens maritime collaboration between the two neighbours, focusing on coordinated patrols and anti-smuggling efforts.

16. Zayed Talwar

The Zayed Talwar exercise with the UAE Navy reflects growing defense ties between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations.

17. Al-Mohed Al-Hindi

A bilateral naval exercise with the Saudi Navy, Al-Mohed Al-Hindi enhances maritime collaboration with a key West Asian partner.

18. CORPAT (Coordinated Patrols)

India conducts CORPAT exercises with Thailand, Indonesia, and Myanmar to ensure maritime security along shared boundaries, focusing on anti-piracy, anti-trafficking, and regional stability.