Military Exercises — Set 6

Correct Answer: B. UN Peacekeeping

Exercises with the 'Doot' suffix generally prepare Indian troops for UN Peacekeeping operations. India is one of the largest contributors to UN Peacekeeping missions, having contributed over 200,000 troops since 1948. Indian peacekeepers have served in Congo (MONUSCO), South Sudan (UNMISS), Lebanon (UNIFIL), and other missions.

Correct Answer: A. INDRA

Exercise INDRA is the primary India-Russia joint military exercise and its army component focuses on counter-terrorism operations under a UN mandate. Aviaindra is specifically the India-Russia air force exercise. INDRA has evolved from an army-only exercise to a tri-service exercise over the years, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of India-Russia defence cooperation.

Correct Answer: C. Russia

Exercise Aviaindra is a bilateral air force exercise between the Indian Air Force and the Russian Aerospace Forces. It focuses on air combat tactics and joint air operations. The exercise reflects the historical defence ties between India and Russia, with Russia being the supplier of Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, and other aircraft to the IAF.

Correct Answer: D. USA

India and the United States conduct frequent Passing Exercises (PASSEX) whenever their naval vessels are in proximity, particularly in the Pacific Ocean. The US Navy and Indian Navy also conduct more structured exercises like Malabar and Tiger Triumph. The frequent PASSEXs reflect the high level of operational interoperability and trust between the two navies.

Correct Answer: B. South Africa

IBSAMAR is a trilateral naval exercise between India, Brazil, and South Africa — the three founding members of the IBSA (India Brazil South Africa) Dialogue Forum. It has been conducted since 2008 and focuses on surface warfare, search and rescue, and maritime interdiction operations in the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Regular military exercises with friendly nations improve tactical skills and readiness for joint operations.

Correct Answer: C. Indian Army

Exercise Shakti is an Army-to-Army exercise between India and France. It involves infantry and special forces units practicing counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban terrain. The naval equivalent with France is Exercise Varuna, and the air force equivalent is Exercise Garuda.

Correct Answer: C. 2020

Australia joined Exercise Malabar as a permanent fourth member in 2020, bringing all four Quad nations (India, USA, Japan, Australia) into the exercise. Australia had participated earlier in 2007 as a guest. The inclusion of Australia reflected the deepening security ties among Quad members and their shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Correct Answer: B. Australia

Exercise Tasman Saber is primarily conducted in Queensland, Australia. It is a large-scale joint exercise between Australia and the United States, with India occasionally participating. The exercise takes place at various training areas across Queensland and involves combined arms maneuver, amphibious operations, and joint fires.

Correct Answer: A. Dosti

Exercise Dosti is a trilateral coast guard exercise between India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka that focuses on maritime security, search and rescue, and counter-piracy operations. Ekuverin is the India-Maldives army exercise. The Maldives is strategically located along major sea lanes in the Indian Ocean, making maritime security cooperation critical.

Correct Answer: C. Malaysia

Exercise Harimau Shakti (meaning 'Tiger's Power' — Harimau means Tiger in Malay) is a joint army exercise between India and Malaysia. It focuses on counter-terrorism and jungle warfare operations. Malaysia is one of India's key defence partners in Southeast Asia under the Act East Policy.