India’s Tri-Service Military Exercises Showcase Strategic Readiness

In late 2025, the Indian Armed Forces conducted three simultaneous large-scale military exercises across the country. These drills demonstrated India’s advanced technology and operational synergy in diverse and challenging terrains. The exercises—Astra Shakti, Trishul, and Poorvi Prachanda Prahar—were held in the north, west, and northeast respectively, signalling India’s preparedness against multiple threats.

Ex Astra Shakti – High-Altitude Warfare Mastery

Astra Shakti took place in Ladakh’s high-altitude region. It brought into light precision artillery, swarm drones, counter-unmanned aerial systems, and commando operations in extreme cold. The exercise showcased India’s ability to operate in one of the world’s most demanding battle environments. It also involved close cooperation with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police. The drill marked evolution in mountain warfare, building on India’s history of high-altitude combat since the 1947-48 Indo-Pak war.

Ex Trishul – Western Frontier and Maritime Strength

Trishul was conducted along the western border, including the desert zones of Rajasthan and Gujarat, the Sir Creek area, and the northern Arabian Sea. It tested joint operations of the Army, Navy, and Air Force across land, sea, air, cyber, and space domains. The exercise involved over 50,000 personnel, 20 warships, and 40 aircraft, including Rafales and Sukhoi-30MKIs. Sir Creek’s strategic and ecological importance was emphasised due to its untapped resources and maritime boundary implications. India’s Defence Minister issued a stern warning to Pakistan over potential provocations in this area, underscoring India’s readiness to act decisively.

Ex Poorvi Prachanda Prahar – Strengthening Eastern Defences

This tri-service drill focused on the northeastern frontier near the Siliguri Corridor and Arunachal Pradesh. It aimed to enhance integrated warfare capabilities against emerging threats, particularly from China and proxy groups. The exercise included multi-domain operations and advanced battle drills. Intelligence reports indicated increased hostile activities along India’s eastern borders, including terror camps in Bangladesh with alleged Chinese and Pakistani support. India responded by boosting defences in the Siliguri Corridor with multi-layered weapon systems.

Strategic and Geopolitical Implications

These exercises reflect India’s strategic resolve to secure its borders across multiple theatres. They also send a clear message to neighbouring adversaries about India’s military readiness and technological edge. The drills demonstrate joint force integration and multi-domain operational capabilities. The focus on vulnerable points like Sir Creek and the Siliguri Corridor marks India’s priority to safeguard critical geographic chokepoints. The military’s assertive posture aligns with India’s broader geopolitical goals in the region.

Technological and Operational Innovations

The exercises featured advanced technologies such as swarm drones, precision artillery, counter-UAS systems, and amphibious platforms. The use of cyber and space domains alongside traditional forces marks a shift towards modern warfare. Large-scale coordination among the Army, Navy, and Air Force was a key highlight. These innovations enhance India’s deterrence and rapid response capabilities in complex scenarios.

Historical Context and Military Evolution

India’s history of high-altitude warfare set a precedent for these exercises. The 1947-48 conflict in Ladakh demonstrated India’s capability to fight at extreme altitudes. Since then, India has steadily modernised its forces and expanded operational doctrines. The current exercises build on this legacy, adapting to new threats and technologies. They also reflect lessons learned from recent border tensions and geopolitical shifts in South Asia.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Discuss in the light of India’s military exercises how multi-domain operations enhance national defence capabilities.
2. Critically examine the strategic importance of geographic chokepoints like the Siliguri Corridor and Sir Creek for India’s security.
3. Explain the role of technology in modern warfare with examples from recent Indian Armed Forces exercises.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the impact of regional geopolitics on India’s defence preparedness and military strategy.

Answer Hints:

1. Discuss in the light of India’s military exercises how multi-domain operations enhance national defence capabilities.

1. Multi-domain operations integrate land, air, sea, cyber, and space forces for synchronized action.
2. Exercises like Astra Shakti, Trishul, and Poorvi Prachanda Prahar demonstrated joint force synergy across domains.
3. Use of swarm drones, counter-UAS, precision artillery, and amphibious platforms enhances operational reach and flexibility.
4. Cyber and space domains provide intelligence, surveillance, and secure communication support.
5. Multi-domain approach enables rapid, coordinated responses to diverse threats in complex terrains.
6. Enhances deterrence by showcasing technological edge and operational readiness against multiple adversaries simultaneously.

2. Critically examine the strategic importance of geographic chokepoints like the Siliguri Corridor and Sir Creek for India’s security.

1. Silguri Corridor (Chicken’s Neck) connects mainland India to the northeastern states, vital for troop and resource movement.
2. Sir Creek influences maritime boundary delimitation affecting Exclusive Economic Zones and resource rights in the Arabian Sea.
3. Both chokepoints are vulnerable to hostile actions from neighboring countries (China near Siliguri; Pakistan near Sir Creek).
4. Control over these areas ensures security of supply lines, coastal security, and prevents encirclement or isolation.
5. India’s military exercises and infrastructure upgrades in these zones demonstrate proactive defense and rapid response capability.
6. Geopolitical tensions and intelligence reports show the need for constant vigilance and military preparedness here.

3. Explain the role of technology in modern warfare with examples from recent Indian Armed Forces exercises.

1. Advanced technologies like swarm drones and counter-unmanned aerial systems improve battlefield surveillance and attack precision (Astra Shakti).
2. Precision artillery enables accurate long-range strikes in challenging terrains, enhancing combat effectiveness.
3. Integration of cyber and space domains supports secure communications, intelligence gathering, and electronic warfare (Trishul, Poorvi Prachanda Prahar).
4. Use of amphibious platforms and warships demonstrates naval technological strength and joint operational capability.
5. Deployment of multi-layered weapon systems and rapid response infrastructure reflects technological modernization.
6. Technology reduces human risk, increases operational tempo, and provides strategic advantage over adversaries.

4. With suitable examples, discuss the impact of regional geopolitics on India’s defence preparedness and military strategy.

1. China’s assertiveness near LAC and support to proxy groups in Bangladesh influences focus on northeastern frontier (Poorvi Prachanda Prahar).
2. Pakistan’s military build-up near Sir Creek and support to terror groups impacts western border security and maritime strategy (Trishul).
3. India’s tri-service exercises signal deterrence and readiness to counter multi-front threats from hostile neighbors.
4. Geopolitical alliances and proxy warfare necessitate integrated, technology-driven, and multi-domain military preparedness.
5. India’s strategic infrastructure development (airbases, joint control centres) reflects adaptation to evolving regional threats.
6. Military posture aligns with India’s broader goal of securing borders and asserting geopolitical influence in South Asia.