Military Exercises — Set 8

Correct Answer: D. Egypt

Exercise Bright Star is a multilateral military exercise hosted by Egypt. India participates in this exercise as part of its expanding defence ties in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Egypt is one of Africa's largest military powers and hosts this exercise that involves USA, UK, France, and other nations.

Correct Answer: D. Umroi (Meghalaya)

Exercise Shakti between India and France has been held at Umroi in Meghalaya (jungle terrain) and at other locations in India depending on the training objectives. The exercise in India typically uses jungle and hilly terrain of Northeast India, while in France it may use urban or semi-arid training areas.

Correct Answer: C. Vajra Prahar

Exercise Vajra Prahar focuses specifically on Special Operations Forces (SOF) training between Indian Army Special Forces (Para SF) and the US Army Special Forces (Green Berets). Yudh Abhyas is the regular infantry exercise, Tiger Triumph is the tri-service exercise, and Cope India is the air force exercise.

Correct Answer: C. USA

Exercise Cope India is a bilateral air force exercise between the Indian Air Force and the United States Air Force (USAF). It focuses on air superiority, close air support, and tactical air operations. The exercise has been instrumental in developing interoperability between IAF Su-30 MKI/Tejas and USAF F-15C/F-16 aircraft.

Correct Answer: B. Hand-in-Hand

Exercise Hand-in-Hand between India and China has been suspended multiple times due to border tensions, including after the 2017 Doklam standoff and the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. The exercise was last held in 2019, prior to the Galwan incident. Despite political tensions, the exercise serves as a confidence-building measure when diplomatic relations permit.

Correct Answer: B. France

Exercise Tarkash (also spelled Tarakash) is a joint special forces exercise between Indian Special Forces and French Special Operations Forces. It focuses on counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and direct action missions. The exercise reflects the deep operational partnership between India and France at the elite forces level.

Correct Answer: C. Saudi Arabia

Exercise Al Mohed Al Hindi is the first bilateral naval exercise between India and Saudi Arabia. It reflects the growing strategic partnership between India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The exercise focuses on surface warfare and maritime security in the Gulf and Arabian Sea region.

Correct Answer: B. Kazakhstan

Exercise KAZIND is a joint army exercise between India and Kazakhstan. It focuses on counter-terrorism operations in semi-desert and steppe terrain. The exercise was formerly known as 'Prabal Dostyk' and reflects India's growing engagement with Central Asian countries under India's 'Connect Central Asia' policy.

Correct Answer: C. Tiger Triumph

Exercise Tiger Triumph is India's first tri-service exercise with the USA, focusing specifically on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. Conducted in November 2019 on India's eastern coast, it involved Indian Navy, Army, and Air Force working alongside their US counterparts in realistic disaster response scenarios.

Correct Answer: B. Maldives

Exercise Ekuverin is conducted between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). 'Ekuverin' means 'Friends' in the Dhivehi language of Maldives. The exercise is held alternately in India and Maldives and focuses on counter-terrorism and light infantry operations relevant to island environments.