Rupal Kalebere
India’s external engagement strategy in April 2025 reflected a deliberate and wide-ranging assertion of its strategic autonomy, regional stewardship, and commitment to international security cooperation. Through bilateral partnerships, multilateral exercises, and humanitarian outreach, India continued to position itself as a responsible actor and a dependable partner in global affairs. This report provides a country-wise overview of India’s defence and diplomatic developments during the month, organized to reflect the breadth and thematic relevance of each engagement.
France: Defence Procurement with Strategic Industrial Implications
India and France signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement for the acquisition of 26 Rafale-Marine fighter aircraft for the Indian Navy. The agreement includes 22 single-seaters and four twin-seaters, alongside performance-based logistics, training simulators, and a weapons package. Importantly, the deal incorporates technology transfer provisions for integration of indigenous weapon systems and the establishment of fuselage manufacturing and MRO facilities in India. This agreement reinforces Indo-French defence ties and aligns with India’s broader self-reliance goals under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
United Kingdom: Strengthening Strategic and Industrial Cooperation
During a two-day visit to London, India’s Defence Secretary co-chaired the 24th India–UK Defence Consultative Group meeting. Discussions focused on expanding tri-service cooperation, launching an Industrial Cooperation Roadmap, and promoting collaborations between UK defence firms and Indian startups in aerospace, drones, and naval systems. The visit reaffirmed the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the bilateral Roadmap to 2030, signalling a mutual interest in strengthening industrial linkages and defence innovation.
United States: Advancing Interoperability through Joint Exercises
India and the United States conducted the fourth edition of the tri-service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise, Tiger Triumph 2025. Held off the eastern coast of India, the exercise featured joint amphibious landings, cyber and space coordination, integrated logistics, and medical response operations. The exercise underscored deepening interoperability and logistical coordination under frameworks such as the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA). Additionally, the Indian Air Force participated in Desert Flag-10, hosted by the UAE, alongside U.S. and allied air forces, further reinforcing air domain cooperation.
Russia: Continued Naval Synergy in a Shifting Geopolitical Landscape
The 14th edition of the India-Russia bilateral naval exercise, INDRA 2025, was conducted with a focus on enhancing interoperability in anti-submarine warfare, coordinated tactical manoeuvres, and maritime security operations. The exercise reaffirmed long-standing defence ties and India’s balanced strategic engagements with both Western and Eastern partners.
Italy: Expanding Indo-European Defence Engagement
India and Italy held the 11th Joint Defence Committee meeting in April, emphasizing shipbuilding cooperation, cyber defence collaboration, and co-development initiatives aligned with Make in India. The meeting highlighted growing Indo-European convergence in defence industrial strategies and strategic technology partnerships.
United Arab Emirates: Multidimensional Strategic Cooperation
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh met with Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister, to discuss defence industrial cooperation, joint manufacturing under the Make in India and Make in Emirates frameworks, and expansion of Coast Guard coordination. The Indian Air Force also deployed MiG-29 and Jaguar aircraft to participate in the Desert Flag-10 multinational air combat exercise, demonstrating high levels of operational readiness and regional engagement.
Africa and the Indian Ocean Region: Regional Security and Capacity Building
Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME)
Co-hosted with Tanzania, AIKEYME 2025 brought together naval forces from Comoros, Djibouti, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, India, and Tanzania. The inaugural edition included tabletop exercises, anti-piracy simulations, command post operations, and joint training focused on maritime security. A Defence Expo showcasing 22 Indian companies was also held. India emphasized the principles of MAHASAGAR—Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions—through strategic outreach and defence diplomacy.
Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR Deployment
INS Sunayna, designated as Indian Ocean Ship SAGAR, conducted port visits to Tanzania, Mozambique, Mauritius, and Seychelles with naval officers from nine friendly nations onboard. The mission combined professional training, joint EEZ surveillance, humanitarian engagements, and outreach to local defence institutions. Activities included yoga sessions, interschool engagements, medical workshops, and maritime capacity building, reflecting India’s leadership in regional maritime security.
South Africa: Maritime Diplomacy and Gender Empowerment
INSV Tarini, crewed by two Indian Navy women officers, was ceremonially flagged off from Cape Town for the final leg of the Navika Sagar Parikrama II expedition. The visit included diplomatic receptions, student outreach, and engagements with South African naval authorities. The mission promoted maritime cooperation, indigenous shipbuilding, and gender inclusion in defence.
New Zealand: Enhancing Naval Interoperability
INS Tarkash conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with HMNZS Te Kaha in the Gulf of Aden. The bilateral drill featured cross-deck operations, tactical coordination, and joint maritime security protocols, enhancing operational familiarity and reinforcing India’s partnerships with like-minded Indo-Pacific nations.
Sri Lanka: Advancing Neighbourhood First through Naval Engagement
INS Sahyadri’s port call at Colombo facilitated bilateral naval interactions, professional training exchanges, and environmental safety discussions. The visit exemplified India’s commitment to Neighbourhood First and its role as a maritime security partner in South Asia.
Maldives: Logistics, Repair, and Regional Capacity Support
India completed the refit of MNDF CGS Huravee at Naval Dockyard Mumbai and handed it back during the visit of INS Kochi to Malé. The refit strengthened Maldivian maritime capability and showcased India’s support in building sustainable logistics and repair infrastructure in the region.
Uzbekistan: Counterterrorism and Sub-Conventional Operations
India and Uzbekistan launched Exercise DUSTLIK-VI in Pune. The military drill focused on joint operations in semi-urban terrain, special heliborne insertions, drone deployment, and integrated command structures. The exercise highlighted tactical interoperability and counter-terror strategy alignment between the two countries.
Humanitarian Outreach: Naval Diplomacy in Practice
In a notable humanitarian operation, INS Trikand provided emergency medical assistance to a Pakistani crew member injured aboard an Iranian dhow in the Arabian Sea. The Indian Navy performed a life-saving surgical procedure and supplied essential medicine, demonstrating its commitment to humanitarian maritime support beyond geopolitical boundaries.
Conclusion: India as a Regional Anchor and Global Participant
India’s foreign policy and defence engagements in April 2025 exhibited a calibrated blend of strategic assertiveness and cooperative diplomacy. India reaffirmed its status as a responsible regional anchor and an increasingly influential global participant through bilateral agreements, multilateral exercises, industrial partnerships, and humanitarian missions.
As India expands its operational footprint and enhances its defence production capacity, these engagements serve as markers of strategic trust and as instruments of long-term security cooperation and geopolitical relevance.