Military exercises like TROPEX (Theatre-Level Operational Readiness Exercise) occur every two years, but the 2025 edition is particularly noteworthy as it once again brings together India's Western and Eastern Fleets in a unified warfighting effort.

India's Western and Eastern Fleets—typically operating independently—synchronised their efforts to function as a single combat-ready force. This development enhances India's ability to address evolving maritime challenges, including activities by China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, reinforcing the nation's strategic preparedness in the Indian Ocean.

As highlighted, India's Navy is traditionally divided into two major fleets: Western Fleet (based in Mumbai): Focuses on operations in the Arabian Sea, where it watches over Pakistan's naval activities and counters increasing Chinese presence. Eastern Fleet (based in Visakhapatnam): Operates in the Bay of Bengal, keeping an eye on China's movements and influence in Southeast Asia. Most of the time, these fleets function separately, covering their respective areas of responsibility. However, as China continues expanding its footprint in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and Pakistan enhances its maritime capabilities, India needs to ensure that its Navy can operate as a single, coordinated force when required.

During TROPEX-25, warships, submarines, and aircraft from both fleets worked together in joint combat scenarios. India's first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, served as the command centre for the exercise, with senior military officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force onboard. From INS Vikrant's deck, these leaders observed:MiG-29K fighter jets taking off and conducting aerial combat drills, Destroyers, frigates, and missile corvettes executing strike operations, Submarines from both fleets conducted joint anti-submarine warfare and P-8I maritime patrol aircraft performing deep-sea reconnaissance.

This level of coordination is rarely seen in peacetime and signals a significant change in India's defence strategy. The focus is no longer on defending separate maritime zones but on achieving full-spectrum dominance across the entire Indian Ocean.

One of India's biggest challenges in the Indian Ocean is China's increasing naval presence. Over the past decade, China has expanded its maritime reach by: Deploying research vessels (often accused of gathering intelligence on India's military activities), Establishing naval bases in Sri Lanka and Myanmar and Regularly sending warships and submarines into the Indian Ocean.

China's growing footprint is a direct challenge to India's security, making it essential for the Indian Navy to enhance its ability to respond swiftly and forcefully. The TROPEX-25 exercise sends a clear message—India is ready to counter any threat in the region by combining the strength of its entire naval force.

While China is the dominant challenge, India cannot ignore Pakistan and Bangladesh's evolving maritime posturing. Pakistan’s Naval Expansion: Pakistan has been modernising its navy, acquiring advanced submarines and frigates from China. It has also signed a deal for modern Chinese warships, enhancing its ability to operate in the Arabian Sea. Bangladesh’s Changing Posture: Following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh has shown increasing signs of aligning with Pakistan on security matters. While not a major threat, this shifting dynamic presents an emerging challenge for India in the Bay of Bengal.

Although neither country poses a significant military challenge to India, their actions serve as irritants that require careful monitoring and strategic responses. The ability of India's Eastern and Western Fleets to operate as a unified force means that India can swiftly neutralise any minor provocations and maintain dominance in its surrounding waters.

Bringing the Eastern and Western Fleets together is part of India's larger plan to enhance maritime security. Other key developments include: Better Air-Sea Coordination: Indian Navy aircraft, along with Air Force fighter jets, are training to control airspace over large sections of the ocean. Improved Logistics and Support: Warships now have better refuelling, rearming, and resupply capabilities to sustain long missions at sea. Faster Deployment: The Indian Navy is working on speedier mobilisation strategies, ensuring warships and submarines can be deployed quickly in times of crisis.

TROPEX-25 is not just an exercise—it is a statement of intent. India is no longer viewing its naval power through regional boundaries. Instead, it is preparing for large-scale operations across the entire Indo-Pacific region.

For India's allies in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)—the US, Japan, and Australia—this exercise guarantees that India is taking its role as a net security provider seriously. India is strengthening its position as a key maritime power in the Indo-Pacific by demonstrating its ability to mobilise both fleets in a single operational scenario.

For adversaries watching closely, the message is clear—India's naval power is not divided. It is strong, united, and ready to assert itself whenever and wherever required. (IPA Service)