India and Russia carried out their first joint tri-service exercise in 2017, and the bilateral ‘Indra’ naval exercises between the navies of the two countries began in 2003.
The commitment advanced in the tri-service area, with a corresponding increase in complexity and levels of participation.
The second edition of Indra’s tri-service exercise between the armed forces of both countries began in the state of Uttar Pradesh, in northern India, in Pune, in western Maharashtra, and in the neighboring coastal state of Goa.
The 10-day exercise, which began on Tuesday, December 10, will involve mechanized forces, infantry fighting vehicles, fighter jets and warships.
Indra 2019 aims to improve interchangeability and develop an understanding to address common security challenges effectively, said the Ministry of Defense of India.
The Indian army said the Indra-2019 exercises would further strengthen the long-standing strategic military ties between the two countries.
Indian and Russian contingents will be trained in drills and demonstrations, counter-terrorism operations and exchange experiences in the fight against terrorism.
Troops will also train their skills in the prevention of arms smuggling through sea routes, counteracting pirate attacks, handling and neutralizing improvised explosive devices (FDI) in counter-terrorism operations, among other skills.
After training, the troops will validate their skills and experiences in simulated exercises.
The Air Forces will carry out joint exercises in Pune, while the Weapons will carry out their joint exercises in the Arabian Sea, off the coast of Goa.
According to officials, the naval exercises will be carried out in two phases: the port phase until December 15 in Goa, and a maritime phase in the Arabian Sea for the remaining four days.
On Tuesday, three Russian naval fleets, Yaroslav Mudry, Viktor Konetsky and Elyna arrived in Goa to participate in the joint exercises.
The Indian side will be represented by INS Aditya, a fleet support ship, INS Tarkash, a first-line guided missile frigate and a series of naval airplanes.
#INDRA2019 -Training together to achieve #Synergy & #Interoperability.
11th edition of ex. commenced with a grand Joint Opening Ceremony at #Babina on 11 Dec. The Tri services contingents of Russian & Indian Armed Forces will rehearse Counter Terrorism drills.
Together We Shall!! pic.twitter.com/g0OjtHMMKJ— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) December 12, 2019
Source: Newsfront
