The Indian Navy on Thursday released a video of the tri-service exercise between the two countries which is taking place in Arabian Sea.
According to India’s Defence Ministry, the 10-day exercise involves mechanised forces, infantry combat vehicles, fighter jets and warships. “Indra 2019” aims to enhance interoperability and allow the armed forces of the two countries to develop an understanding which will allow them to to tackle shared security challenges effectively.
The exercise’s video features Indian Navy MIG 29K warplanes and Indian Air Force Jaguars flying in formation.
Special Forces Ghatak and Garud commandos can also be seen in the video. It features several operations: the Indian Navy’s Visit, Board, Search and Seizure Operation, a combined boarding team onboard the INS Aditya, and addresses station maintenance, resupplying at sea, and Cross-flying deck operations.
— Aakriti Sharma (@_aakritisharma) December 19, 2019
India and Russia conducted their first joint tri-service exercise in 2017, and “Indra” bilateral naval exercises between the navies of the two countries began in 2003. The engagement advanced in scope to become the tri-service exercise, with a corresponding increase in the complexity and levels of participation.
The military exercise includes the air, ground and naval forces of both countries. Over 700 Russian servicemen are participating in the drills.
Russian and Indian servicemen have already conducted operations in a counter-terrorism scenario using T-90 battle tanks and BMP-2 combat vehicles.
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) December 18, 2019
The drill aim to practice joint planning, reconnaissance operations, tactical airborne assaults, and neutralising simulated armed gangs.
