India-Russia ‘Indra Navy’ exercise commences

A top naval official on Tuesday said the ongoing exercise between India and Russia in Bay of Bengal would help develop common understanding of procedures for maritime security operations between the two Navies.

Addressing a media conference INS Sahyadri, Chief of Eastern Fleet, and Deputy Commander of Pacific Fleet, Vice Admiral Ryabukhin Andrey, said the two countries commenced bilateral maritime exercises in 2003 and the 8th edition of 'Indra Navy' series commenced on Monday.. Bhokare said the bilateral naval exercise is aimed at increasing interoperability between the two Navies and developing common understanding of procedures for maritime security operations.  'Indra Navy' is a bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian and Russian Navies and epitomises the strategic relationship between the two countries, Bokhare said.