India and Singapore have successfully concluded the 13th edition of Operation Bold Kurukshetra, a bilateral armour exercise that showcases their strong and long-standing defence relationship. The exercise was held from March 6 to 13, 2023, at Jodhpur Military Station, India.
The exercise involved soldiers from the 42nd Battalion, Singapore Armoured Regiment and an Armoured Brigade of Indian Army. For the first time in the exercise series, both armies participated in a command post exercise (CPX), which involved battalion and brigade level planning elements and computer wargaming.
The CPX aimed to foster common understanding of mechanised warfare in emerging threats and evolving technologies, as well as to develop interoperability through joint operational and tactical procedures controlled through a joint command post. The participants also exchanged ideas and best practices on operating drills and procedures in a modern combat zone.
Operation Bold Kurukshetra is conducted under the ambit of the bilateral arrangement for joint army training and exercises between the Singapore Army and the Indian Army. The first edition was conducted in 2005. Since then, both armies have regularly engaged in various forms of bilateral training activities such as armour exercises, artillery live-firing exercises, urban operations training and professional exchanges.
The exercise underscores the mutual trust and confidence between both countries' militaries. It also reflects their shared commitment to regional peace and stability. Both defence establishments also interact regularly through high-level visits, policy dialogues, courses and other professional exchanges.
Operation Bold Kurukshetra is one of the many platforms that enhance defence cooperation between India and Singapore. It also contributes to strengthening their strategic partnership that spans across various domains such as trade, investment, education, culture and people-to-people ties.