The 7th edition of the China-Iran-Russia “Security Belt-2025” naval exercise was held from March 9-13, 2025, near Chabahar Port, in the Gulf of Oman. The joint maritime exercise was more than just a military drill. It reflected the deepening military collaboration and evolving regional security dynamics. The theme “Creating Peace and Security Together” underlined the shared goal of the three nations to enhance maritime security, improve interoperability, and strengthen joint operational capabilities (Gao Dezheng and Wang Ningchuan, 2025).
The Security Belt-2025 exercise integrated a range of complex naval manoeuvres to refine the tactical coordination and combat readiness of the participating forces. These included conducting spot checks and arrests, targeting maritime threats, executing VBSS (Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure) operations, engaging enemy vessels, joint search-and-rescue missions, and damage control procedures (India Shipping News, 2025). A key focus was on enhancing the operational synergy of these navies, ensuring that their forces could seamlessly execute missions in high-stakes, real-world scenarios. Beyond tactical coordination, the exercise underscored a significant and growing strategic cohesion among the participating forces. This unity was emphasised in their efforts to bolster mutual trust and refine their ability to conduct synchronised maritime security operations.
At its core, Security Belt-2025 showcased the growing strategic alignment of China, Iran, and Russia, redefining maritime security and altering geopolitical equations in the region.
Naval Assets and Deployment
China deployed key assets from its 47th Naval Escort Task Force, including the Type 052D guided-missile destroyer Baotou, the supply ship Gaoyouhu (Hull 904), the guided-missile frigate Honghe, and two ship-borne helicopters. Having patrolled the Gulf of Aden since December 2024, these vessels were strategically positioned to integrate seamlessly into the exercise (Victoria Bela, 2025).
Russia’s Pacific Fleet was represented by two corvettes, namely, the Steregushchiy-classRezky, also known as ‘Sharp’ and Russian Hero Aldar Sydenzhapov, along with the medium sea tanker Pechenega. Meanwhile, Iran mobilised a substantial fleet of 16 warships and boats, including the Jamaran and Alvand destroyers, accompanied by two helicopters (Ibid, 2025). The Iranian Navy, supported by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Naval Force, led the nation’s naval efforts. Iran deployed 16 warships for these exercises, including Jamaran, Alvand, Bayandar, Niza, Ganawah, Nayband, and Bahrgan. The IRGC Navy contributed ships such as Shahid Sayyad Shirazi, Shahid Rouhi, and Shahid Mahmoudi (Sahar News, 2025).
Rear Admiral Mostafa Tajedini, the Deputy Commander of the Iranian Navy, reported that mock enemy targets were effectively engaged in the ongoing naval exercise. The drills conducted on March 10-11, provided an opportunity to test advanced radar tracking, anti-aircraft defence coordination, and real-time decision-making under combat conditions. The drills emphasised detecting and neutralising simulated enemy aircraft, enabling participating forces to refine their air defence mechanisms and electronic warfare strategies(Islamic Republic News Agency, 2025).
Additionally, the exercise has attracted international observers from Azerbaijan, South Africa, Oman, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Qatar, Iraq, the UAE, and Sri Lanka—a testament to the broader geopolitical interest in this trilateral military cooperation (Amina Elghoubachi, 2025).
Strategic and Geopolitical Implications
The timing and scale of Security Belt-2025 reinforced the strengthening military partnership between China, Iran, and Russia. This drill was part of the broader geopolitical realignment in recent agreements, such as the “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty” signed between Russia and Iran on January 17, 2025 (President, 2025). This 20-year treaty, covering trade, defence, and scientific collaboration, underscored their commitment to long-term strategic cooperation. Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed it as a “real breakthrough creating conditions for the stable and sustainable development of Russia, Iran and the entire region” (Al Jazeera, 2025).
For Iran, these exercises boosted its naval profile and reinforced its strategic alliances amid continued tensions with western maritime forces operating in the region. Russia, engaged in broader geopolitical conflicts, leverages such partnerships to extend its naval reach beyond Europe. Meanwhile, China, with its expanding presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), viewed this drill to strengthen security ties while advancing its blue-water navy capabilities. The Ministry of National Defence in Beijing stated, “the aim is to strengthen military mutual trust and foster pragmatic cooperation among the naval forces of the participating countries.”
The Security Belt-2025 exercise underscores the strengthening military ties between Iran, Russia, and China amid mounting external pressures. With Iran facing ongoing tensions with the United States over its nuclear program, the drill serves as a strategic assertion of its alliances, backed by two nuclear powers. This growing partnership signals a broader shift in regional power dynamics, challenging established security frameworks in the IOR and West Asia while reinforcing Iran’s military positioning against Western opposition.
The location of this exercise—near Chabahar Port—adds another layer of complexity for India, given its strategic and economic stakes in the region. Over the years, India has heavily invested in Chabahar as a vital trade and connectivity hub, offering a direct route to Afghanistan and Central Asia. The presence of Chinese and Russian naval forces in these waters, therefore, introduces new complexities for India’s strategic landscape. While India views Chabahar as a gateway for regional influence and trade, China’s expanding footprint—especially given its control over Gwadar Port in Pakistan, just 76 nautical miles away—suggests a tightening strategic encirclement in the IOR.
For India, this signals a delicate balancing act. As China deepens its engagement in Iran’s maritime affairs, India must closely monitor how these developments unfold, particularly considering its own stakes in Chabahar. The exercise underscores the shifting security architecture in the region, one where India’s ability to manoeuvre diplomatically and militarily will be increasingly tested.
Conclusion
The Security Belt-2025 exercise highlighted the deepening cooperation between China, Iran, and Russia, enhancing their joint operational readiness, coordination in maritime threat scenarios, and ability to secure vital sea routes while also signalling a broader shift in regional dynamics, with each nation potentially expanding its role in key waterways. While Iran aimed to reinforce its presence despite external pressures, Russia’s participation suggested an interest in maintaining a foothold in distant maritime zones. China’s growing involvement could indicate long-term ambitions to shape security frameworks in the Indian Ocean. This evolving collaboration raises important questions about how these nations might position themselves in an increasingly contested maritime environment.
