US holds Valiant Shield wargames in western Pacific; India deepens Vietnam push

Valiant Shield 2026, a major multinational military exercise, is underway across the Indo-Pacific, involving the US and allies like Australia, Japan, Canada, and New Zealand. This drill emphasizes advanced capabilities and interoperability in air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains. Meanwhile, the Indian Navy is bolstering maritime partnerships with a recent port call in Vietnam, reinforcing regional security cooperation and India’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.