India has stepped up its military engagement with global partners following last month’s high-stakes Operation Sindoor against Pakistan. Building on the momentum, the Indian armed forces are now actively participating in multi-domain drills with the United Kingdom, United States, and Mongolia. These exercises signal India’s resolve to bolster interoperability, project deterrence, and reinforce regional security ties.
From June 9 to 10, the Indian Navy conducted complex anti-submarine warfare maneuvers with the British Royal Navy in the northern Arabian Sea. The exercise involved India’s stealth frigate INS Tabar, a Kalvari-class submarine, and the long-range surveillance aircraft P-8I. These assets trained alongside HMS Prince of Wales, the UK’s aircraft carrier, and it’s escort ship HMS Richmond. The objective was to refine tactical cooperation and anti-submarine capabilities in contested maritime zones.
This follows India’s strategic naval deployment last month, which saw frontline warships, submarines, and the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant—equipped with MiG-29K fighters—forward-positioned in a strong deterrent stance. This strategic move effectively restricted Pakistan’s naval forces to their bases while the Indian Air Force and Army conducted targeted strikes on nine terrorist camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7.
Concurrently, from May 26 to June 10, the Indian Air Force’s elite Garud commandos participated in their first-ever Special Forces drill with the United States Air Force. Titled “Tiger Claw,” the exercise took place across various locations in northern India, aiming to enhance joint operational capabilities, improve coordination in special missions, and foster tactical knowledge-sharing.
Expanding its military presence globally, India also sent a contingent from the Army — comprising personnel from the Kumaon Regiment, one woman officer, and two female soldiers — to Mongolia for the “Khaan Quest” exercise scheduled from June 14 to 28. This trilateral drill, which also includes the United States, focuses on preparing troops for multinational peacekeeping operations.
A senior Indian defense official emphasized that these engagements underline India’s increasing strategic alignment with major global powers and are crucial for enhancing interoperability in future missions, whether focused on conflict or peacekeeping.
Through these collaborative efforts, India is reinforcing its international military ties and asserting a more assertive and strategic role on the global stage—an approach that has clearly intensified in the wake of Operation Sindoor.
