NEW DELHI, January 21 (Sputnik) — The scale and intensity of joint military drills with India should be increased, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said to his Indian counterpart Manohar Parrikar on Wednesday.
"A thorough planning of the drills is necessary. Its results must bring practical benefit to increase the battle readiness of our armed forces,” Shoigu, who is now in India on an official visit, said.
Russian-Indian military drills take place annually. Most recently held in September, joint drills Indra 2014 focused on the collective defense of strategic government facilities and combating illegal armed groups. Over 800 servicemen and 100 military vehicles participated in the drills.
10 January 2015, 19:24 GMT
Shoigu also praised the participation of the Indian Armed Forces in the 2014 Tank Biathlon World Championship and the Aviadarts flight skills competition.
“These events have become a great platform enabling our military experts to share experience,” Shoigu said.
The defense minister also invited India to participate in this year's editions of the Tank Biathlon and the Aviadarts championships.
