Naval forces from China, Iran, and Russia have embarked on a significant joint military exercise, “Security Belt-2025,” on Monday in the northern Indian Ocean off the coast of Iran’s southeastern port city of Chabahar, according to Iran’s Tasnim News Agency.
China’s Ministry of Defence stated that the drill aims to strengthen military trust and practical cooperation between the participating nations. The exercise will include simulated maritime attacks, joint search and rescue operations, and security inspections. A
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy is sending the Type 052D guided-missile destroyer Baotou and the supply ship Gaoyouhu from the 47th naval escort task force. The full task force, which also includes the guided-missile frigate Honghe and two shipborne helicopters, has been operating in the nearby Gulf of Aden since December. Before joining Security Belt-2025, the PLA Navy warships also participated in the AMAN-2025 multinational maritime exercise in Karachi, Pakistan earlier this year.
The exercise will be held in the Gulf of Oman, a key maritime corridor linking the Strait of Hormuz to the Indian Ocean. As a critical energy shipping route, the region holds strategic significance for China, Iran, and Russia, all of whom have vested interests in maintaining stability and securing global trade.
According to official statements, the routine drill is intended to enhance regional security and stability, deepen military coordination, and improve the interoperability of the participating navies.
Security Belt-2025 marks the fifth joint naval exercise between China, Iran, and Russia since 2019. Last year’s drill, held from March 11-15, focused on anti-piracy operations and search and rescue missions. It featured China’s 45th naval escort task force, Russia’s Pacific Fleet, and more than 10 Iranian vessels. Representatives from Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Oman, India, and South Africa observed the exercises.
While Russia and Iran have not yet confirmed which of their naval units will participate this year, reports indicate that earlier this month, Russian Pacific Fleet warships, including the corvettes Aldar Tsydenzhapov and Rezkiy, conducted artillery drills in the eastern Indian Ocean.
Security in the Gulf of Oman remains a global concern due to its role as a vital trade artery and an oil and gas chokepoint. The joint exercise underscores the three nations’ growing military cooperation and geopolitical ambitions in the Middle East.
This development follows a series of strategic agreements between Russia and Iran, including a pact signed in January by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to strengthen bilateral trade and defence ties.
Iran’s relations with the United States remain tense, particularly over its nuclear program. Tehran has strongly opposed U.S. demands to curb its nuclear ambitions, which it calls “bullying.” Meanwhile, relations between Russia and the U.S. have seen shifts, with Moscow offering to mediate discussions between Washington and Tehran on key regional issues.
As China, Russia, and Iran continue to expand their defence and strategic partnerships, the Security Belt-2025 drill signals their intent to assert influence in one of the world’s most critical maritime regions.
Team BharatShakti
