Zapad-2025 is a major joint military exercise conducted under the Union State framework of Russia and Belarus. The exercise is carried out across multiple training grounds, including Barysaw in Belarus, and military districts in Kaliningrad, Moscow, and Leningrad in Russia.
The term Zapad translates to “West” in Russian. Initiated during the Soviet era in the 1970s, the exercise was revived in 1999 and has since been conducted periodically, with major versions in 2009, 2013, 2017, 2021, and 2025.
Key Features of Zapad-2025
The exercise involves:
Joint tactical drills with land and air forces.
Deployment of drones and AI-based systems.
Simulation of nuclear weapon planning.
Training with the Oreshnik missile system.
India’s Participation
India is participating in Zapad-2025 with a contingent of 65 personnel, comprising:
57 from the Army
7 from the Air Force
1 from the Navy
Participation provides India with:
Operational exposure to multinational drills.
Enhanced defence preparedness.
Opportunities to strengthen military diplomacy while maintaining strategic autonomy.
Objectives of Zapad-2025
Enhance interoperability between Russian and Belarusian forces.
Strengthen defensive readiness of the Union State.
Send a strategic message to NATO regarding the capabilities and coordination of Russia and Belarus.
NATO Concerns
The drills have raised serious concerns within NATO due to:
Proximity to Poland and Baltic states, heightening fears of potential escalation.
Lack of transparency under the OSCE’s Vienna Document.
Inclusion of nuclear scenarios, which adds to NATO anxieties.
Strategic Significance for India
Participation in Zapad-2025 allows India to:
Gain multinational operational experience.
Observe advanced Russian military technologies and drills.
Balance relations with both Russia and Western partners while maintaining strategic autonomy.
Conclusion
Zapad-2025 is not just a military exercise but a strategic and diplomatic initiative, demonstrating the evolving military cooperation between Russia and Belarus, and India’s interest in engaging with major global powers in a nuanced manner.
Statement-Based MCQ on Zapad-2025
Question: Consider the following statements regarding Zapad-2025:
Zapad-2025 is a joint military exercise conducted by Russia and Belarus under the Union State framework.
The exercise includes joint tactical drills, deployment of drones and AI-based systems, and simulation of nuclear weapon planning.
India is participating in Zapad-2025 with a contingent of 65 personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The exercise is held exclusively in Kaliningrad, Russia, without any training grounds in Belarus.
The main objectives include enhancing interoperability between Russian and Belarusian forces and sending a strategic message to NATO.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only
Answer: (a)
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