India and Singapore kick off the 14th edition of the joint military exercise ‘Bold Kurukshetra 2025’ in Jodhpur to enhance interoperability under a UN mandate.

India, Singapore Begin 14th Edition of ‘Bold Kurukshetra’ in Jodhpur

Jodhpur, July 31, 2025 – Against the golden sands of Rajasthan, the Indian and Singaporean armies have launched the 14th edition of their joint military exercise, Bold Kurukshetra 2025, at the Jodhpur Military Station. The exercise, which began on July 27 and will run through August 4, reflects a deepening of defence cooperation between the two nations and focuses on enhancing tactical coordination in mechanised warfare under a United Nations (UN) mandate.

A Test of Joint Military Prowess

Involving the 42nd Battalion of the Singapore Armoured Regiment and the Mechanised Infantry Regiment of the Indian Army, this year’s iteration of Bold Kurukshetra takes the form of a tabletop exercise combined with a computer-based wargame. Designed to simulate complex battle scenarios, it allows commanders from both sides to validate operational procedures, sharpen command-level decision-making, and fine-tune interoperability.

The exercise will culminate in an equipment display by the Indian Army, offering both nations the opportunity to showcase technological advancements and battlefield assets used in mechanised warfare.

Strengthening a Strategic Partnership

India and Singapore share more than just maritime boundaries—they share a vision for regional stability, a rules-based international order, and robust bilateral defence cooperation. Their military partnership dates back decades, but it was Bold Kurukshetra, first conducted in 2005, that institutionalized their land forces collaboration.

The exercise has grown in scope and complexity with each edition. By focusing on mechanised combat training, both countries aim to prepare their forces for coordinated deployment in UN peacekeeping operations and joint humanitarian missions.

“India and Singapore’s defence relationship continues to evolve with strategic depth. Exercises like Bold Kurukshetra go beyond symbolic gestures—they serve as platforms for real-time operational exchange,” said a retired Indian Army general familiar with Indo-ASEAN military ties.

A Multidimensional Defence Relationship

While Bold Kurukshetra anchors the land-based military ties, the India-Singapore defence partnership spans all major military domains:

Agni Warrior – An annual artillery-centric field training exercise between the armies.
SIMBEX (Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise) – One of the longest unbroken naval exercises in the region, ongoing since 1994.
Joint Military Training (JMT) – A longstanding Air Force collaboration, held at Indian and Singaporean bases alternately.

These joint endeavours reflect the strategic trust and operational compatibility between the two nations. They also strengthen regional deterrence amid rising geopolitical uncertainties in the Indo-Pacific.

What Experts Are Saying

According to Dr. Vishal Rajan, a defence analyst at the Indian Council for Strategic Studies, “The 14th Bold Kurukshetra is not just a bilateral event—it’s a statement. As China’s regional influence grows, India and Singapore are aligning capabilities and narratives under global norms.”

Singapore-based defence journalist Ng Mei Lin notes that such exercises reflect Singapore’s consistent focus on credible deterrence and multilateral cooperation. “Despite being a city-state, Singapore maintains one of Asia’s most advanced and combat-ready forces. Its sustained engagement with India shows its interest in broader regional security architecture,” she said.

Regional Significance and Future Outlook

With rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific and the South China Sea, such exercises have broader implications:

UN Mandate Focus: The emphasis on coordination under a United Nations mandate positions both armies as potential partners in future peacekeeping and disaster response missions.
Technological Sharing: The wargame setup enables both sides to cross-learn on digital battlefield systems and integrated command control platforms.
India’s Strategic Westward Tilt: While India’s Quad partnerships with the US, Japan, and Australia dominate headlines, its ASEAN outreach—especially with Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia—signals a balanced multi-vector strategy.

Concluding Reflections

As Bold Kurukshetra 2025 unfolds in the arid expanse of Jodhpur, it stands as a beacon of military synergy, diplomatic trust, and shared regional vision. The exercise not only boosts tactical coordination but also reaffirms the strategic commitment between India and Singapore to uphold peace and preparedness in a rapidly evolving global order.

As defence ties deepen and new editions of bilateral exercises emerge, the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia may well be charting the contours of a new security ecosystem—one driven by partnership, professionalism, and a shared stake in stability.

Disclaimer: This article is based solely on the headline and verified facts provided. No speculative or AI-generated content has been included beyond the scope of the source.