India Joins Russia-Belarus Zapad-2025 Drills Amid Nuclear Launch Rehearsal

Moscow/Belarus — India has participated in the Russian-led Zapad-2025 military exercises, joining a high-profile show of force that included nuclear launch rehearsals, the deployment of hypersonic missiles, and troops from several allied nations.

The Indian Ministry of Defence confirmed that 65 armed forces personnel were dispatched to the drills, which featured Russia and Belarus jointly practising the launch of tactical nuclear weapons and showcasing the Oreshnik hypersonic missile, first used in Ukraine last year.

Heightened Global Tensions

The exercises come as India navigates strained ties with Washington, following the Trump administration’s imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian imports. Despite the pressure, New Delhi continues to maintain strong defence ties with Moscow, rooted in Cold War-era cooperation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who made a surprise visit to the Nizhny Novgorod region, said the drills involved 100,000 troops. Wearing military fatigues, he observed the operations alongside Defence Minister Andrei Belousov. Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko defended the nuclear rehearsals, saying, “From small arms to nuclear warheads, we must be able to practise everything. But we are absolutely not planning to threaten anyone.”

International Participation

Alongside Russia, Belarus, and India, troops from Iran, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Mali also took part. Western analysts view the maneuvers as a direct message to NATO, especially after recent Russian drones entered Polish airspace.

The Pentagon confirmed it had sent observers, framing the move as “common practice between militaries” after recent bilateral discussions with Moscow.

India’s Balancing Act

New Delhi faces a delicate balancing act. While Russia remains its biggest defence supplier, India has also deepened strategic ties with the United States in recent years, especially in countering China’s influence in Asia. However, Washington has grown uneasy with India’s ongoing purchase of Russian oil during the Ukraine war.

The participation of India’s Kumaon Regiment underscores New Delhi’s attempt to keep its Moscow relationship alive while managing tensions with Washington.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who turned 75 this week, received a congratulatory call from U.S. President Trump. Despite strained relations, Modi referred to Trump as a “friend,” signaling an attempt to keep diplomatic channels open.

Iran-Russia Deepening Alliance

Iran’s presence in Zapad-2025 further highlighted its growing alignment with Moscow. The two countries recently signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty, expanding cooperation on military and energy matters.

After Israel launched airstrikes on Iran earlier this year — sparking a 12-day war that drew in the United States — Moscow and Tehran conducted a joint naval exercise in the Caspian Sea, further consolidating their military alliance.