Indian Navy Leads Tri-Services Exercise “Trishul” 2025

Strengthening India’s Maritime and Joint Defence Capabilities

Why in the News?

The Indian Navy has taken the lead in organizing “Exercise Trishul 2025”. It is a major Tri-Services Military Exercise involving the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Conducted in the Arabian Sea region, this exercise marks a significant step in enhancing India’s joint operational readiness and inter-service coordination.

What is Exercise Trishul, 2025?

• The Indian Armed Forces, comprising the Army, Navy, and Air Force, conduct Exercise Trishul, internally codenamed “Mahagurjar,” under the aegis of the Ministry of Defence. 
• This tri-service exercise brings together all three wings of the military to enhance joint operational readiness and inter-service coordination.
• In Hindu mythology, the Trishul (trident) symbolizes power, balance, and precision, reflecting the combined strength of India’s three defence services.
• Its purpose is to enhance jointness, validate theatre logistics, and reinforce multi-domain combat readiness.
• Notable sub-exercises include “Agni Drishti” (network-centric sensor-to-shooter integration) and “Trinetra” (spectrum dominance, counter-drone & multi-domain coordination). 
• The exercise is currently underway, scheduled from October 30 to November 10, 2025.
• The drill spans multiple terrains: the marshy Sir Creek sector in Gujarat, the Rann of Kutch, desert zones in Rajasthan, and the Saurashtra coast for amphibious operations. 
• It integrates land manoeuvres, air operations and naval assets across west-coast and creek sectors, thereby mapping a multi-domain theatre of operations.
• Under this exercise, the Indian Army has deployed over 20,000 personnel along with T-90S/ Arjun tanks and howitzers. 
• The Air Force is fielding Rafale and Su-30MKI fighters, transport/ refuellers such as IL-78, and UAVs.

Objectives of Exercise Trishul, 2025:

• Enhance Jointness: Strengthen coordination among the Army, Navy, and Air Force for integrated operations.
• Operational Readiness: Improve response time during multi-front or hybrid warfare situations.
• Maritime Dominance: Test the Navy’s combat readiness in protecting India’s maritime borders and sea lanes.
• Technology Integration: Incorporate AI, drones, and advanced surveillance systems in real-time exercises.
• Strategic Communication: Demonstrate India’s capability for unified defence action in the Indo-Pacific region.

Significance of Exercise Trishul, 2025:

• Enhances India’s Defence Preparedness: The exercise focuses on multi-domain integration, which is crucial for future warfare.
• Boosts Maritime Security: With the Indian Navy at the forefront, it ensures effective monitoring of India’s vast coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
• Symbol of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ in Defence: The use of indigenous equipment and platforms highlights India’s growing defence self-reliance.
• Strengthens Indo-Pacific Strategy: Reinforces India’s role as a net security provider in the region.
• Supports Make in India Initiative: Deploys indigenous naval assets like INS Vikrant and advanced fighter jets developed in India.
• Indigenisation Focus: The exercise will highlight the effective employment of indigenous systems and exhibit the tenets of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat.’

Participating Units and Assets:

• Indian Navy: Aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, destroyers, submarines, and maritime patrol aircraft.
• Indian Air Force: Rafale and Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jets, transport aircraft, and UAVs.
• Indian Army: Mechanised infantry units, air defence systems, and missile regiments.

Pakistan’s Response to Exercise ‘Trishul’, 2025:

• Pakistan responded to India’s Exercise Trishul by issuing multiple air-traffic route restrictions (NOTAMs) across its central and southern airspace on 28 to 29 October 2025.
• It signalled heightened vigilance in reaction to India’s tri-services drill near the western border. 
• Pakistani military sources also placed the Bahawalpur Strike Corps and Karachi Corps on high alert. It reinforced naval patrols in the Arabian Sea.
• Islamabad viewed the exercise near the disputed Sir Creek sector as a strategic signal of pressure on its maritime and land-frontiers.

Relevance for UPSC:

• Military exercises now hold significant importance in the UPSC syllabus, as they showcase both India’s defence preparedness and its strategic cooperation with other countries. 
• Interestingly, the UPSC Prelims 2024 exam even featured a question on the India–Sri Lanka joint exercise “Mitra Shakti,” highlighting the topic’s growing relevance for aspirants.

Conclusion

Exercise Trishul, 2025 reflects India’s evolving defence vision. It combines jointness, technology, and strategic foresight. As the Indian Navy takes the lead, it showcases India’s commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests and ensuring peace in the Indo-Pacific.

For UPSC aspirants, understanding such exercises is vital, not just as current affairs, but as insights into India’s comprehensive national security framework.

India’s freedom struggle was not only shaped by men but also by countless brave women who led protests, inspired masses, and sacrificed everything for independence. Learn more about the role of women freedom fighters and their lasting impact on India’s history.

Sources:

1. https://indianexpress.com/article/upsc-current-affairs/upsc-essentials/knowledge-nugget-exercise-trishul-brass-tacks-upsc-exam-10347309/
2. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-begins-major-tri-service-drill-along-western-border-with-pakistan/article70222105.ece

FAQs: