Indian Army to participate in 1st joint military exercise between ASEAN nations in Russia

In a historic move, Indian Army is gearing up to join a joint military exercise in Vlivostok, Russia, scheduled from September 25 to September 30, 2023. This significant participation marks India's involvement in ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus Experts Working Group (MM Plus EWG) initiative. primary objective of this exercise is to enhance collaboration, share knowledge, and bolster regional cooperation among member nations of ASEAN (Association of Souast Asian Nations). 

ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (MM) serves as a crucial platform where defense ministers from ASEAN member states, including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, convene to discuss regional security issues. MM Plus EWG is an extension of this initiative, encompassing eight ditional countries: Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, and United States. 

Notably, ASEAN holds immense importance for India, as it serves as a linchpin in country's Act East Policy. This policy aims to solidify India's strategic and economic relationships with Souast Asian nations. Strengning ties with ASEAN countries is pivotal for India to augment its geopolitical influence in Indo-Pacific region while expanding tre and economic partnerships. 

Role of Experts Working Group 

Experts Working Group (EWG) operates within framework of MM Plus, with a focus on enhancing cooperation in defense and security among member nations. It serves as a platform for exchange of expertise, best practices, and knowledge across various aspects of defense and security. joint military exercise set to take place in Vlivostok is an integral component of MM Plus EWG, aimed at facilitating military-to-military interactions and promoting cooperative efforts. 

India's participation in this endeavor provides a unique opportunity for Indian Army to collaborate with its counterparts from ASEAN nations, fostering knowledge sharing and contributing to peace and security in region. Furrmore, it aligns with India's vision of strengning defense and security cooperation with ASEAN, thus contributing to a more secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. 

As India continues to deepen its engagement with ASEAN and or regional partners, its active involvement in initiatives like MM Plus EWG exercise reaffirms its role as a pivotal player in vancing peace, stability, and cooperation in Indo-Pacific region. This strategic step signifies India's commitment to a secure and prosperous future for region through collaborative efforts with ASEAN nations.