ZAPAD Military Exercise 2025
Context:
The ZAPAD-2025 is a military exercise that is a significant strategic engagement as it is a theatre-level exercise of the Russian armed forces.
India's participation is noteworthy as it involves cooperation on anti-terrorist operations with several other nations.
The exercise also holds geopolitical importance given that regional powers like China and Pakistan are participating as observers.
ZAPAD-2025 multilateral joint military exercise:
Started in 1999, ZAPAD exercises are held every four years.
The exercise aimed to enhance military cooperation, improve interoperability, and provide a platform for participating armies to share tactics and procedures in conventional warfare and counter-terrorism operations.
ZAPAD-2025 is a 13-day military exercise between Russia and Belarus and is hosted by Russia in Nizhny.
Geopolitical Significance: It sends a strategic message to NATO about Russia’s Readiness.
Participants and Observers:
Nine countries are participating in the exercise that include Russia, India, Belarus, Mongolia, and Serbia.
Seven other countries like China and Pakistan will be present as observers.