Tiger Claw' - Indo-US Special Forces Exercise

Introduction and About

  • The 'Tiger Claw' is a first-of-its-kind independent Special Forces exercise conducted by the Indian Air Force and U.S Air Force. 
  • This joint military exercise has occurred across North India. 
  • It forms a crucial component in the journey towards strengthening partnership between the two Air Forces. 

Why in News?

  • The exercise concluded successfully at the Garud Regimental Training Centre (GRTC), an essential facility for training India's elite Special Forces unit, the Garud Commandos, located at Air Force Station in Uttar Pradesh. 
  • The two-week-long joint exercise involved a mutual exchange of best practices in special operations, joint training, and building interoperability capabilities. 

The Significance of 'Tiger Claw'

  • The name 'Tiger Claw' carries symbolic importance. Tigers are globally recognised as emblems of strength, power, and precision—qualities vital to Special Forces operations. 
  • The exercise's title aligns with the agility and striking capabilities of the collaborating elite troops.

Objectives of the Exercise

  • The exercise's goals were multifaceted; they included expanding partnership, fostering a mutual exchange of best practices in special operations, and collaborative training between the two Air Forces to develop interoperability. 
  • This joint exercise forms part of a broader tapestry of institutional exchanges and training programmes between the armed forces of the two countries at various levels.

Other Military Exercises between India and the US

  • The two air forces conduct multiple air exercises, including the bilateral 'Cope India'. 
  • They also partake in other multilateral exercises such as 'Tarang Shakti' and 'Red Flag'.

 

Exercise KHAAN QUEST: A Multinational Military Exercise

Introduction and Background

  • Exercise KHAAN QUEST is a multinational military exercise held annually.
  • Originated in 2003 as a bilateral exercise between the USA and Mongolia, it became a multinational peacekeeping exercise in 2006.
  • The Mongolian Armed Forces host the exercise.
  • The 22nd iteration of the event is set to happen in 2025.

Indian Army's Participation in KHAAN QUEST

  •  An Indian Army contingent, the Kumaon Regiment, has arrived in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, to participate in Exercise KHAAN QUEST.

Objectives of KHAAN QUEST 

  • The primary objective of Exercise KHAAN QUEST is to enhance peacekeeping capabilities, interoperability, and military readiness under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.
  • Chapter VII empowers the UN Security Council to act on threats to international peace, breaches of peace, and acts of aggression. It allows for both non-military (e.g., sanctions) and military measures to maintain or restore global peace and security.

Focus Areas of the Exercise 

  • Exercise KHAAN QUEST encompasses joint planning, tactical drills, physical fitness, and coordination. 
  • The drills include checkpoints, cordon and search, civilian evacuation, counter-Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and casualty management.

Significance of KHAAN QUEST

  • KHAAN QUEST facilitates the exchange of tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) among the participating military entities. 
  • The exercise also works to strengthen military cooperation and camaraderie among participating nations.

 

Cyber Suraksha: Boosting National Cyber Resilience 

Introduction and About Cyber Suraksha

  • The Defence Cyber Agency's 'Cyber Suraksha' is an inclusive cyber security exercise.
  • It is organised under the patronage of the Integrated Defence Staff headquarters.
  • Designed as a multi-phased proactivity, it aims to strengthen the country's cyber resilience.
  • Cyber Suraksha combines structured learning with hands-on challenge environments.

Approach and Methodology of Cyber Suraksha

  • Cyber Suraksha organises targeted training sessions with a specific focus on cyber threats.
  • The evaluation process tests the analytical and defensive cyber competences of participants.
  • An exciting capsule for leadership is also an integral part of the Cyber Suraksha.
  • The methodology is designed to empower participants to act effectively in the case of cyber threats.

The Need and Impact of Cyber Suraksha in Real-world

  • Cyber Suraksha is designed to simulate real-world cyber threats to improve the participants' cyber defence skills.
  • Promoting secure practices among military departments is a primary objective.
  • The comprehensive approach to cultivating a security-first culture is crucial in the current environment.
  • The exercise aims to prepare military personnel and other security forces, thereby boosting national cyber resilience.

Future Aspects of Cyber Suraksha

  • Cyber Suraksha is an initiative of the Defence Cyber Agency.
  • The Agency intends to conduct such exercises regularly to maintain a state of readiness.
  • This initiative marks a significant step towards cultivating a security-first culture across all military levels.
  • The future scope of Cyber Suraksha will significantly contribute to the nationwide battle against cyber attacks.

 

Passage Exercise (PASSEX) 2025: Indo-UK Joint Naval Exercise

 

About the PASSEX

  • PASSEX is a joint naval exercise conducted amongst allied navies whose deployments coincide.
  • It emphasises on enhancing interoperability, strategic cooperation, and sound communication at sea.
  • The exercise is designed to hone tactical manoeuvres, enhance maritime domain awareness, and reaffirm commitment towards Indo-Pacific maritime security.
  • The key features of this exercise include helicopter control drills, fleet manoeuvres, joint Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations, officer exchanges, real-time data sharing, and testing of communication protocol for seamless coordination.

 

 Participation of Indian Navy in PASSEX

  • The Indian Naval fleet participating in PASSEX 2025 consists of the stealth frigate INS Tabar, a conventional submarine, and the P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft.

 

 Strategic Vision behind PASSEX

  • The PASSEX 2025 aligns with the broader India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the projected India–UK 2030 Roadmap.
  • The exercise fortifies India's SAGAR vision (Security and Growth for all in the Region) and strategically asserts its presence in the Indo-Pacific region.

 

Details about INS Tabar

  • INS Tabar, the Indian Navy's stealth frigate, holds a significant role in the exercise. 
  • Commissioned in Russia in April 2004, INS Tabar is the third frigate of the Talwar-class and the first to be equipped with BrahMos missiles.
  • Stationed with the Western Fleet in Mumbai, the frigate is equipped for air, surface, and sub-surface missions.
  • It can function independently or as part of a naval task force, and it is outfitted with advanced weaponry like Barak-1 missiles and the most modern sensors.

 

8th Edition of Exercise Shakti: A Joint Military Exercise between India and France

 Introduction and About Exercise Shakti

  • The 8th edition of Exercise Shakti has been scheduled between 18th June and 1st July 2025. 
  • This biennial military training exercise will be conducted at La Cavalerie, France.
  • It is a prominent joint military drill between the Indian and French armies. 
  • The primary aim of this exercise is to sharpen operational coordination, enhance interoperability, and strengthen the military-to-military connection between both participating nations.

 

 Objective and Focus of the 8th Edition of Exercise Shakti

  • The 8th edition of Exercise Shakti is specifically designed to concentrate on joint operations in a sub-conventional environment.
  • It will operate under the guidelines of Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
  • Training exercises will be conducted in a semi-urban terrain setting. 

 

 Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter

  • Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter authorises both military and non-military actions with the objective of international peace enforcement.
  • These actions can range from sanctions and blockades to troop deployment.

 

 Other Joint Exercises between India and France

  • Apart from Exercise Shakti, India and France conduct other joint military exercises. 
  • Exercise Varuna, an initiative by the Indian and French Navies. 
  • Exercise Garuda, a joint operation between the Indian and French Air forces. 
  • Exercise Desert Knight, a tripartite exercise involving the participation of India, France, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

 

 Importance and Impact of Joint Military Exercises 

  • These joint military exercises, like Exercise Shakti, signify a strong commitment towards mutual cooperation and international peacekeeping efforts between participating nations. 
  • Exercise Shakti aids in upgrading their interoperability, enriching military-to-military relations, and escalating operational coordination. 
  • These exercises also afford an opportunity to understand each other's military structure, strategy, and culture thereby fostering mutual trust and respect.
  • Such joint military exercises are effective platforms for sharing expertise and experiences, which can adequately prepare nations for any future collaborative operations. 
  • It is paramount to understand that the information provided here about Exercise Shakti is not finite; the dynamics, strategies, and executions can change with every edition of the exercise, based on the emerging geopolitical scenario, nations' defense strategies, and international relations.

 

Operation Sindhu - India's Evacuation from Iran through Armenia

 Introduction and About

  • Operation Sindhu was launched by India for the evacuation of its nationals from Iran.
  • Armenia's geographic position and strong diplomatic ties with India positioned it as an essential route in this operation.

 

 Geographical Context

  • Iran is bordered by Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq and Turkey, and has southern coastlines along the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.
  • Armenia's 44-km border with Iran and the Nurduz-Agarak crossing, linked to the Iranian capital, Tehran, by a 730 km highway, makes it a practical and safe land route for swift Indian evacuation.

 

 Challenges at Other Borders 

  • Other borders pose various challenges.
  • Geopolitical tensions (post-Operation Sindoor) made the Iran-Pakistan border inaccessible to India. 
  • The support of Turkey & Azerbaijan for Pakistan makes their borders with Iran unfavorable for India.
  • India's lack of diplomatic ties with Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.
  • The borders with active conflict zone Iraq and remote, underdeveloped Turkmenistan.

 

 Importance of Armenia for Operation Sindhu

  • Armenia has shown support for India at international fora such as on issues related to Kashmir and UNSC seat.
  • In 2022, India superseded Russia as Armenia's top military supplier, featuring a USD 250 million deal for PINAKA rocket launchers, Akash-1S air defense, and other weapons.
  • Armenia is crucial to the International North-South Transport Corridor, aligning with India's broader strategy to secure trade and evacuation routes through the Caucasus region.

 

Comparison with Other Key Indian Evacuation Operations

 Other key Indian Evacuation operations:

  • Operation Kaveri in 2023 - Evacuation from Sudan during military clashes
  • Operation Ajay in 2023 - Evacuation from Israel during the Israel–Hamas conflict
  • Operation Ganga in 2022 - Evacuation from Ukraine during the Russia-Ukraine war
  • Operation Devi Shakti in 2021 - Evacuation from Afghanistan post Taliban takeover
  • Operation Samudra Setu in 2020 - Evacuation from various countries via sea as part of the Vande Bharat Mission during the Covid-19 pandemic
  • Operation Raahat in 2015 - Evacuation from Yemen during the civil conflict 
  • Operation Safe Homecoming in 2011 - Evacuation from Libya during the civil war in Arab Spring.