MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Indian Special Forces and Russian Pacific Fleet Marines have discussed the actions for the upcoming anti-piracy stage of the joint Russian-Indian naval exercises, Indra Navy 2016, spokesman for the Russian Defense Ministry's Eastern Military District Vladimir Matveev said Sunday.
"Today [Sunday], at the headquarters of the Eastern Fleet of the Indian Navy in the city of Visakhapatnam, a joint meeting of representatives of the Indian Special Forces Command and the Command of the [Russian[ Pacific Fleet Marine units took place. During the meeting the sides discussed the issues of the upcoming search operation under the framework of the upcoming anti-piracy stage of the active phase of the Indra Navy 2016 exercise," Matveev said.
Indra Navy 2016 drills are being held in the Bay of Bengal through December 14-21. This year, some 500 servicemen are set to be engaged in the drills, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
The first joint Russian-Indian naval drills were held in 2003. The exercises were also held in 2007, 2014 and 2015.
