Bold Kurukshetra

The 14th edition of Exercise Bold Kurukshetra 2025 is an important military collaboration between India and Singapore, set to take place in Jodhpur until August 4, 2025. This exercise continues to build on the strong defence relations between both nations.

Bold Kurukshetra 2025:

1. Background and History:

   • First conducted in 2005, Exercise Bold Kurukshetra has been an annual event that underscores the long-standing and strong bilateral defence relationship between India and Singapore.

   • Over the years, the exercise has evolved, further enhancing the cooperation and mutual understanding between the two armies.

2. Participating Units:

   • The 42nd Singapore Armoured Regiment of the 4 Singapore Armoured Brigade and the Indian Army’s Mechanised Infantry Regiment will be participating in this joint exercise.

   • The exercise format will involve both armoured regiments, allowing for realistic operational training and scenario-based simulations.

3. Nature of the Exercise:

   • The exercise will be held as a Table Top Exercise (TTX) and Computer-Based Wargame (CBW), focusing on the validation of operational procedures for mechanised warfare.

   • It’s a strategic exercise that involves complex simulations, allowing both armies to practice joint tactics and hone their skills in a controlled, scenario-based environment.

4. Objective:

   • The main objective of Exercise Bold Kurukshetra 2025 is to enhance interoperability between the two armies, ensuring that they can work together seamlessly in future operations, particularly under a United Nations mandate.

   • This exercise aims to improve joint training capabilities, fostering a deeper understanding of each other's operational procedures and enhancing mutual trust and coordination on the ground.

5. Strategic Significance:

   • Strengthening Bilateral Defence Cooperation: The exercise is crucial in further solidifying the already strong defence ties between India and Singapore, which have been growing steadily over the years. It not only enhances military cooperation but also supports regional stability.

   • Collaborative Training: The joint training under real-world operational conditions ensures that both armies are ready to face emerging global security challenges together, particularly in the context of mechanised warfare, which involves the use of advanced technologies, tanks, and armoured vehicles.

6. Ongoing Interaction:

   • Beyond the exercise, both countries regularly interact through high-level visits, policy dialogues, courses, and other professional exchanges, which strengthen their defence diplomacy.

   • This continued engagement builds a deeper strategic partnership between India and Singapore, making it a model for other nations to follow in fostering military cooperation.

Why Exercise Bold Kurukshetra Matters:

1. Enhances Interoperability:

   • One of the most important aspects of this exercise is the focus on interoperability—how well the armed forces of India and Singapore can work together in real-world combat situations. This is particularly important in peacekeeping missions or multinational operations where coordination between different military forces is essential.

2. Mechanised Warfare Focus:

   • The exercise’s emphasis on mechanised warfare is crucial in modern warfare, where speed, mobility, and firepower play vital roles in tactical success. It provides a unique opportunity to test and refine these capabilities in a combined setting.

3. Regional Security:

   • Given the strategic location of both countries in the Indo-Pacific region, this exercise is also seen as an effort to enhance regional security and stability. As both India and Singapore are important players in the region, their cooperation sends a strong signal to other nations about their commitment to peace and security.

4. Boosts Diplomatic Ties:

   • This exercise, along with other military-to-military engagements, serves to strengthen not only defence ties but also diplomatic relations between India and Singapore. Their close cooperation in the military sphere could lead to broader collaboration in areas such as trade, technology, and counter-terrorism.

5. Shared Global Challenges:

   • Both India and Singapore face common global challenges, including terrorism, cybersecurity, and the rise of new security threats. Exercises like Bold Kurukshetra help both nations improve their readiness and ability to respond to such challenges, particularly in a multilateral context.