Context: 

Recently, the Indian Air Force and Royal Malaysian Air Force participated in Exercise Udara Shakti 2024.

Background:

It was held from August 5-9, 2024, at the RMAF base in Kuantan, Malaysia.

Key takeaways:

1. Exercise Udara Shakti 2024 is a significant bilateral air force exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).
2. Exercise Udara Shakti aimed to enhance military cooperation and strengthen the strategic partnership between India and Malaysia.
3. Both air forces deployed their Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets for the exercise. The IAF participated with its Su-30MKI aircraft, while the RMAF fielded its Su-30MKM aircraft.

What other joint exercises have India participated in?

1. Mitra Shakti: This is an annual exercise with Sri Lanka, focusing on counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations. The latest edition began on August 12, 2024, in Sri Lanka.
2. Yudh Abhyas: A joint military exercise with the United States, aimed at improving interoperability and sharing best practices in counter-terrorism operations.
3. Hand-in-Hand: Conducted with China, this exercise focuses on counter-terrorism and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
4. Indra: A series of joint exercises with Russia, covering all three services (Army, Navy, and Air Force) to enhance bilateral defence cooperation.
5. Shakti: A biennial exercise with France, focusing on counter-terrorism operations and enhancing interoperability between the two armies.
6. Nomadic Elephant: Conducted with Mongolia, this exercise focuses on counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.