The first ever tri-service exercise INDRA between India and Russia commenced in Vladivostok, Russia on Friday with special focus on counter-terrorism in an international scenario. The armies, navies and air forces of the two countries will take part in the ten-day drill with an aim to boost their operational co-ordination.
The Indian contingent includes nearly 450 personnel while the Russian side is being represented by around 1,000 troops. The opening ceremony of the exercise at Vladivostok was marked by tri-services march-past by both the sides, besides display of traditional martial arts by the Indian troops.
In his address at the opening ceremony, commander of the Indian contingent Major General ND Prasad, said the exercise between the two countries reflects the vibrancy of the continued India-Russia strategic partnership, the defence ministry said here. He said with the rich operational experience of Russian and Indian armies in counter insurgency operations, both sides will gain immensely from each other to further develop their capabilities.
lt General Solomatin, Chief of Staff, Eastern Military District of the Russian Federation, said the exercise will further strengthen the relationship between the two defence forces. lt General JS Negi, leader of the tri-services observer delegation, said the conduct of the first ever tri- service exercise between the two countries is a significant step in mutual cooperation and marks an important milestone in the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
He expressed his confidence that the joint training between the two defence forces over the next ten days will help them share their best practices and serve in strengthening mutual confidence and interoperability.
The Indian Army, Navy and Air Force have been holding bilateral exercises separately with their Russian counterparts for the last one decade but it is for the first time that the two countries are carrying out a tri-services exercise.
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia in June, it was decided to ‘upgrade and intensify’ defence cooperation through joint manufacture, co-production and co- development of key military hardware and equipment. A vision document, issued then, had said that both the countries also decided to work towards a qualitatively higher level of military-to-military cooperation.