India conducts major joint military exercises with Japan and Russia

India is participating in large-scale military drills involving both Japan and Russia. In the ‘Vira Guardian 26’ exercises held at the Jodhpur Air Force Base, Japan Air Self-Defense Force fighter jets deployed to India for the first time. During a meeting between Air Self-Defense Force Chief of Staff Takehiro Morita and Indian Air Force Chief of Staff General Amar Preet Singh, both sides noted that defense cooperation and exchange have entered a new stage.

Separately, the ‘Indra-2026’ military exercises are underway in the Chelyabinsk Region and the Russian Far East. These drills involve Indian and Russian pilots flying Su-30 fighter aircraft together, focusing on combat aviation, drone defense, and search-and-rescue operations. The exercises aim to enhance coordination and operational experience between the two nations' air forces.