Rupal Kalebere
India’s defence diplomacy in May 2025 was marked by an assertive and cooperative presence across key global and regional platforms, reflecting its growing role as a maritime power, technology collaborator, and security partner.
Strengthening Maritime Partnerships in the Indian Ocean
IOS SAGAR Deployment
INS Sunayna (IOS Sagar) concluded its month-long multinational deployment across the South-West Indian Ocean Region. Port calls in Tanzania, Mozambique, Mauritius, Seychelles, and the Maldives included joint EEZ surveillance, naval exercises, and cross-deck cultural exchanges. Crewed by personnel from 9 Indian Ocean nations, the mission aligned with India’s MAHASAGAR and SAGAR visions to foster regional security and cooperation.
HADR with Maldives
INS Sharda conducted a joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise at Maafilaafushi Atoll, reinforcing India’s readiness and partnership with the Maldives National Defence Force in crisis response scenarios.
IMDEX Asia 2025 in Singapore
INS Kiltan represented India at this premier maritime exhibition, participating in multilateral naval exchanges, guided tours, and defence diplomacy with regional partners.
Defence Technology Cooperation and Strategic Forums
India–US Joint Working Group on Aircraft Carrier Technology
The 8th session of the Joint Working Group under DTTI saw significant discussions on carrier operations, highlighting 10 years of bilateral technological cooperation.
CENJOWS MRSAM Eco-System Summit 2.0
In collaboration with Israel Aerospace Industries and ASI, the summit focused on advancing India’s self-reliance in air and missile defence. Indigenous manufacturing and AI-integrated systems like STORMS were spotlighted.
Key Bilateral and Multilateral Defence Dialogues
India–Japan Defence Talks
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met Japan’s Defence Minister Gen Nakatani, building on growing convergence on Indo-Pacific stability and strategic cooperation.
India–Russia Engagement
Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth participated in Russia’s Victory Day and met President Putin and Deputy Defence Minister Fomin to reaffirm bilateral military ties and cooperation against cross-border terrorism.
India–Malaysia at LIMA 2025
India showcased its indigenous defence capabilities, including BrahMos and Dornier aircraft, at LIMA 2025. RRM Seth met his Malaysian counterpart, reinforcing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
High-Level Strategic Outreach
Shangri-La Dialogue 2025
CDS Gen. Anil Chauhan’s address on “Future Wars and Warfare” in Singapore marked India’s active strategic dialogue engagement. He met counterparts from the US, Japan, EU, and ASEAN to deepen defence ties.
India–Mongolia Joint Military Exercise: Nomadic Elephant 2025
The Indian Army’s Arunachal Scouts participated in a bilateral UN-mandated exercise in Ulaanbaatar, focusing on semi-urban combat, cyber warfare, and mountain tactics, highlighting Indo-Mongolian military interoperability.
Coast Guard Operations and Emergency Response
Rescue Operation: MSC ELSA 3
After the Liberian container vessel developed a dangerous list and later sank off Kochi with hazardous cargo, the Indian Coast Guard and Navy mounted a successful rescue operation, saving all 24 crew members and launching pollution containment protocols.
India’s global defence posture in May 2025 was defined by active diplomacy, technological collaboration, regional leadership in maritime security, and operational readiness in humanitarian crises. From Africa’s coasts to the Pacific dialogue rooms, India’s actions reaffirm its ambition to be a First Responder and Preferred Security Partner in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.