2023 saw the Indian Army's unwavering commitment to forging strong international military partnerships
In 2023, the Indian Army demonstrated remarkable achievements through various strategic exercises and partnerships, reinforcing its role as a key player in regional stability and global military dynamics.
 
Personnel from the Indian Army and the US Army Special Forces came together for the 14th Edition of the Indo-US Joint Special Forces exercise Vajra Prahar. It commenced at the Joint Training Node in Umroi Cantonment, Meghalaya on Tuesday November 21, 2023 and continued till December 11, 2023. It aimed at sharing best practices and experiences in areas such as joint mission planning and operational tactics.

The first edition of Exercise Vajra Prahar was conducted in 2010 in India while the 13th edition of the exercise was conducted at the Special Forces Training School in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh. "Exercise Vajra Prahar has evolved as a mechanism to exchange ideas and share best practices between the Special Forces of both the nations. It is also a platform to enhance inter-operability and strengthen defence cooperation between the armies of India and the United States of America," India's Ministry of Defence said.
Exercise Sampriti-XI
 
One of the significant highlights of the year was the successful conduct of Exercise Sampriti-XI, held from October 3-17, 2023, in Umroi, Meghalaya. This annual joint military exercise with Bangladesh, alternatingly organized by both countries since 2009, engaged about 350 personnel from each side.
 
Led by Brigadier SK Anand from the Indian side and Brigadier General Mohammed Mafizul Islam Rashed from Bangladesh, this exercise focused on Sub-Conventional Operations under Chapter VII of the UN mandate. Activities included a Command Post Exercise (CPX), a Field Training Exercise (FTX), and various joint tactical drills for counter-terrorist operations. Sampriti-XI was not just a military exercise but a platform that fostered deeper bilateral relations and cultural understanding between India and Bangladesh.
 
Nomadic Elephant-23
 
The 15th iteration of the Nomadic Elephant -23, was successfully conducted in July 2023. The Indian Army's Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry Regiment collaborated with Mongolia on key strategies of international defence and counter terrorism operations. This year saw the execution of endurance training, reflex firing, room intervention, small team tactics and rock crafting. With this, both the contingents established solidity in their tactical and operational prowess
 
VINBAX-23

The Indian Armed Forces' delegation arrived in Hanoi, Vietnam, on December 12, 2023, for the fourth iteration of the VINBAX-2023 Joint Military Exercise. Initiated in 2018 with its inaugural event in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, VINBAX is an annual bilateral training exercise alternately hosted by India and Vietnam. The latest operation was an influential accelerator of mutual cooperation and interoperability between the two forces.
 
In line with Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, the two nations solidified their focus on Peacekeeping Operations. This edition of VINBAX encompasses both a Command Post Exercise and a Field Training Exercise. It emphasizes the deployment and strategic use of an Engineering Company and a Medical Team. The army viewed considerable progress in the exchange of advanced technique insights, infrastructure developments and observation posts in operational zones.
 
Bold Kurukshetra 2023
 
India also achieved a significant stride in military cooperation with the 13th edition of Exercise Bold Kurukshetra, jointly conducted by the Indian Army and the Singapore Army in March. For the first time in its series, this year's rounds introduced a Command Post Exercise, integrating Battalion and Brigade level planning with computer wargaming, a leap forward in military strategy and technology application. Mechanized warfare tactics were mastered and the technological developments of potential threats were collaboratively discussed to structure a resilient joint operation.
 
The year 2023 stands as an indication to the Indian Army's unwavering commitment to enhancing its operational capabilities and forging strong international military partnerships. Through these exercises, the Army not only refined its combat readiness but also played a significant role in promoting peace and stability in the region. The successful execution of these exercises highlights the Army's strategic vision and its growing influence in global military affairs.