What steps is India taking to strengthen its defense ties with neighboring Asian countries?

India is strengthening defence ties through a mix of military training, joint exercises, equipment support and maritime cooperation. The approach differs from country to country; it is not a single alliance or identical package for every neighbour.

Regular exercises help armed forces practise working together. Examples include Sampriti with Bangladesh, Surya Kiran with Nepal, Mitra Shakti with Sri Lanka and Dosti, a maritime exercise involving India, the Maldives and Sri Lanka. India also trains personnel from partner countries and provides defence equipment, maintenance support and, in some cases, lines of credit.

Maritime security is another focus. India and nearby countries coordinate on issues such as search and rescue, disaster response, illegal fishing and monitoring activity at sea. Naval visits, information-sharing arrangements and coordinated patrols help build routine contact between their services.

Beyond South Asia, India has expanded defence cooperation with partners such as Vietnam and the Philippines through training, defence trade and official agreements. Taken together, these steps aim to build practical cooperation and give neighbouring countries more options for training and equipment, while leaving each partnership shaped by its own priorities.