The Nations are not doing at the US bidding but definitely, like it or not, there is a convergence towards the US' strategic vision in Asia Pacific.

The commonality of interests, spurred by the sudden change from the Peaceful Rise philosophy of China to the current aggressive hegemonic posture, has encouraged the closing of ranks amongst the nations. These exercises, though small in size, is basically to establish the core groups, which will impart instructions back home. Therefore, though small in outward appearance is contributory to training the soldiers back home. There is where the importance of these interactivity lies.

Singapore, for instance, extensively uses Indian Armed Forces assets to keep themselves fighting trim.