Counter-terrorism operations in a multinational scenario will be the main focus of the forthcoming first ever tri-Services exercise INDRA between Indian armed forces and their Russian counterparts in Vladivostok from October 19 to 29. Integrated Services(CISC) chief lt General Satish Dua flagged off the Indian contingent here on Monday.
The contingent comprises 350 Army personnel and 80 of IAF besides two Il-76 transport aircraft, one frigate and one corvette. Russia will field approximately 1,000 troops of the 5th Army, Marines and ships of Pacific fleet and aircraft from
Eastern Military district, officials said here.
Addressing the Indian Contingent, Dua highlighted the importance of the upcoming exercise which will provide an opportunity to the armed forces of both countries to train in counter terrorism operations in a multinational scenario in a joint tri service environment.
The scope of the exercise includes professional interactions, establishment of joint command and control structures between the Indian and Russian forces and elimination of terrorist threat in a multinational environment under the UN mandate.
Exercise INDRA held annually for the last nine years was conducted as a single service exercise alternately between the two countries. This year marks a major milestone as this exercise has been upgraded to involve all
the three Services underlining the importance of joint
services in the present world environment.