Operation Pawan

Introduction

• Operation Pawan was India’s first major overseas military campaign post-Independence, undertaken in 1987 in Sri Lanka.

Why in news?

• For decades, veterans and families sought formal recognition for Operation Pawan.
• Despite Sri Lanka constructing a memorial acknowledging the IPKF’s role, the operation did not receive formal commemoration at the National War Memorial (Rashtriya Samar Smarak) in New Delhi.
• In 2025, the Army finally acknowledged their long-overlooked sacrifice.

Background

• Initiated by the Rajiv Gandhi government under the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord.
• Deployed the Indian Peace Keeping Force to help quell the civil war between the Tamil and Sinhala communities.
• Aimed to disarm Tamil militant groups, including the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), and restore peace.

Significance

• The mission evolved into intense counter-insurgency combat as the LTTE turned hostile.
• The severity of the fighting was such that many personnel’s bodies could not be recovered.

Facts/General knowledge

• Indo-Sri Lanka Accord date: 29 July 1987; Operation Pawan launched in 1987.
• Scale: nearly 100,000 Indian troops were sent to Sri Lanka as part of the IPKF.
• Operational milestone: the IPKF captured Jaffna on 26 October 1987.
• Outcome on adversary leadership: the LTTE dispersed into the jungle and its leader, V. Prabhakaran, eluded capture.
• Casualties: 1,171 Indian soldiers were martyred and over 3,500 were injured.
• Gallantry: Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran, a Param Vir Chakra recipient, was killed on 25 November 1987.
• Closure: the operation formally ended on 24 March 1990 with the withdrawal of the IPKF.

Trishul-2025 Tri-Services Exercise

Introduction

• India has begun the Tri-Services Exercise “Trishul-2025”.
• It is being conducted in Sir Creek and the Rajasthan–Gujarat desert sectors, extending into the northern Arabian Sea.

Why in news?

• The tri-services exercise “Trishul-2025” has commenced.

Background

• It is a major tri-services exercise to test joint capabilities across land, air, sea, cyber, and space.
• Aims include validating joint procedures, strengthening network integration, and enhancing inter-service interoperability.
• “Trinetra” and “Mahagujarat” are sub-exercises under the larger annual Tri-Services Exercise Trishul 2025.

Significance

• Validates joint Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Electronic Warfare, and Cyber Warfare plans.
• Strengthens integrated operations and inter-service interoperability.
• Highlights the effective employment of indigenous systems and demonstrates absorption of the tenets of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
• Showcases robust inter-agency and multi-domain integration.

Facts/General knowledge

• Coordinator: Headquarters Western Naval Command (Mumbai).
• Core participants: Southern Command (Army), Western Naval Command (Navy), and South Western Air Command (IAF).
• Supporting agencies: Indian Coast Guard, Border Security Force, and other agencies.

Malabar Exercise near Guam

Introduction

• The Malabar exercise is an annual naval drill involving India, the United States, Australia, and Japan (Quad countries).
• It underscores shared commitment to an open, inclusive Indo-Pacific and a rules-based international order.

Why in news?

• The latest edition has commenced in the Northern Pacific near Guam.
• INS Sahyadri, an indigenously designed, stealth guided-missile frigate, represents India.
• Subtopic: Background
• Began in 1992 as a bilateral naval drill between India and the United States.
• Japan joined in 2015.
• Australia participated in 2020, making it a four-nation exercise under the Quad framework.

Significance

• Highlights convergence of views among participating countries on maritime issues.
• Strengthens Quad military interoperability and coordinated maritime operations.
• Supports freedom of navigation and enhances joint readiness.
• Advances India’s strategic maritime MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision.
• Operational focus includes improving interoperability, coordination, and communication through joint fleet operations, anti-submarine warfare, gunnery drills, and airborne maritime missions.
• Guam’s strategic relevance—owing to proximity to East Asia and contested waters like the South China Sea—enhances the exercise’s operational value.

Facts/General knowledge

• Guam is a United States territory in the Pacific.
• The Quad is a strategic forum of the United States, Japan, India, and Australia focused on regional security and economic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

Exercise MITRA SHAKTI-2025

Introduction

• A joint military drill between the Indian and Sri Lankan Armies to strengthen defence cooperation and enhance interoperability in counter-terrorism and peacekeeping operations.
• Aims to jointly rehearse Sub Conventional Operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate.
• The scope includes synergising joint responses during counter-terrorist operations.

Why in news?

• The 11th edition was conducted at Belagavi, Karnataka.
• Featured the use of Drones and Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) for enhanced operational effectiveness.

Background

• Exercise MITRA SHAKTI is an annual joint training exercise between the Indian and Sri Lankan Armies.
• It has been conducted alternately in both countries since 2012.

Significance

• Advances India–Sri Lanka defence and security cooperation with Sri Lanka’s strategic location near key Indian Ocean shipping lanes central to India’s ‘MAHASAGAR Vision’.
• Reinforces interoperability for sub-conventional, counter-terrorist, and peacekeeping roles.
• Complements broader bilateral military engagements, including the SLINEX naval exercise held alternately in India and Sri Lanka every year.
• Reflects practical collaboration in humanitarian and environmental assistance, with India acting as the “first responder” during maritime emergencies in Sri Lankan waters.

Facts/General knowledge

• Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate deals with action concerning threats to peace, breaches of peace, and acts of aggression.
• Indian Navy and Coast Guard actions prevented environmental disasters during the MV X-Press Pearl (2021) and MT New Diamond (2020) incidents.
• A Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre for the Sri Lanka Navy, set up under a Government of India grant, was commissioned in 2024.

VINBAX 2025 – India–Vietnam Military Exercise

Introduction

• VINBAX is a bilateral military exercise between the Indian Army (IA) and the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
• The 2025 edition brings together around 300 personnel from both armies.
• Objectives include strengthening defence cooperation and mutual trust, enhancing interoperability in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO), and sharing operational experience and best practices in modern field conditions, including medical aid, engineering tasks and SAR missions.

Why in news?

• VINBAX 2025 began on 11 November 2025 at the National Military Training Centre 4 in Hanoi, Vietnam, and will continue until 27 November 2025.

Background

• The first edition was held in 2018 in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.
• It was formed as part of India’s Act East Policy to strengthen ties with Vietnam.
• The exercise is conducted alternately in India and Vietnam every year.

Significance

• Vietnam is the only country with which India conducts an annual field-level UN peacekeeping simulation.

Facts/General knowledge

• VINBAX focuses on UN-mandated peacekeeping simulations rather than combat training.

Exercise Garuda 25

Introduction

• A bilateral air exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the French Air and Space Force (FASF).
• Aims to promote operational interaction, mutual learning, and enhanced interoperability between the two Air Forces.

Why in news?

• The IAF is participating in the 8th edition, ‘Garuda 25’, at Mont-de-Marsan, France, from 16th to 27th November 2025.

Background

• First held in 2003.
• One of India’s longest-running air exercises with a Western nation.
• Reflects deepening defence and strategic ties under the India–France Strategic Partnership (established in 1998).
• Held alternately in India and France.

Participation

• The IAF has deployed six Su-30MKI fighter jets.
• Supported by IL-78 refuellers and C-17 Globemasters.
• Operating alongside French Rafale and other multirole fighters in complex simulated air combat missions.

Focus Areas

• Air-to-air combat drills.
• Air defence missions.
• Joint strike operations.
• Refinement of tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).

Significance

• Promotes India–France collaborations such as the Rafale deal, Indo-Pacific cooperation, and joint space defence research.

Facts/General knowledge

• Other exercises: Varuna (naval), Shakti (army), Desert Knight (India, France, and UAE).

Exercise Ajeya Warrior-25

Introduction

• A bilateral military training exercise between the Indian Army and the British Army
• Aims at improving joint capabilities in counter-terrorism and peacekeeping operations

Why in news?

• India and the United Kingdom have begun the 8th edition of the exercise

Background

• Held biennially since 2011 as a bilateral endeavour between the Indian Army and the British Army
• Conducted under a United Nations mandate aligned with Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which addresses threats to peace, breaches of peace, and counter-terrorism scenarios

Significance

• Enhances interoperability, improves tactical coordination, and facilitates sharing of best practices in counter-terrorism and peacekeeping operations
• Builds preparedness for real-life counter-terror contingencies through realistic training

Facts/General knowledge

• 8th edition dates: 17th to 30th November, 2025
• Venue: Foreign Training Node, Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan
• Participation: 240 personnel with equal representation from both armies; the Indian Army is represented by the Sikh Regiment
• Training focus: simulation-based scenarios and Brigade-level mission planning

Exercise Surya Kiran 2025

Introduction

• A bilateral military exercise between the Indian Army and the Nepal Army.
• Designed to facilitate joint training and coordination between the two forces.

Why in news?

• The 19th edition, SURYAKIRAN-XIX, began on 25 November 2025 at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand.
• The 2025 edition is scheduled from 25 November to 08 December 2025.

Background

• Held annually with hosting duties alternating between India and Nepal.
• Conducted under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which deals with peacekeeping duties related to threats to peace, breaches of peace, and counter-terrorism scenarios.
• Primarily focuses on counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism, and jungle/mountain warfare terrain common to both armies.

Significance

• Aims to enhance interoperability between the Indian Army and the Nepal Army.
• Strengthens military diplomacy and deepens India–Nepal defence cooperation.
• The 2025 edition highlights incorporation of niche and emerging military technologies, such as:
• Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
• Drone-based Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR)
• AI-enabled decision-support tools
• Unmanned logistics vehicles
• Armoured protection platforms

Facts/General knowledge

• Indian contingent: 334 personnel, mainly from the Assam Regiment.
• Nepalese contingent: 334 personnel, primarily from the Devi Datta Regiment.

India’s Withdrawal from Ayni Airbase, Tajikistan

Introduction

• India has officially concluded its presence at Tajikistan’s Ayni Airbase, ending a strategic chapter in Central Asia.

Why in news?

• The collaboration to revitalise the Soviet-era base, initiated four years ago, concluded after a bilateral agreement on stationing Indian personnel ended in 2022.
• The base’s strategic utility expired after the collapse of India’s ally, the Northern Alliance, and the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021.

Background

• Ayni Airbase is located about 10 km west of Dushanbe, Tajikistan’s capital.
• In 1998, India set up its first base in Tajikistan at Farkhor with helicopters, a repair unit, and a military hospital that treated Afghan Northern Alliance fighters.
• The Farkhor base was shut down around 2008, and the Ayni base was established as India’s second overseas base after Farkhor.

Significance

• Ayni’s proximity (around 20 km) to Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor gave India strategic leverage over Pakistan and access to Central Asia.
• Its operational purpose was to support the Northern Alliance through logistics, aerial support, and intelligence.
• During the Taliban’s 2021 return, India used the Ayni Airbase to evacuate nationals and officials from Afghanistan via military and civilian aircraft.

Facts/General knowledge

• The airbase was never used for combat missions and had no permanent presence of fighter aircraft.
• India had stationed Mi17 helicopters at Ayni that also assisted Tajikistan forces.
• Ayni was India’s second overseas base after the Farkhor base (1998–2008).