Initiated in 2003, INDRA NAVY epitomises the long-term strategic relationship between the two navies

India and Russia continue to add momentum to their bilateral defence engagement and it has been well reflected in the just concluded exercise INDRA NAVY-21, a biennial maritime exercise between Indian and Russian navies held in the Baltic Sea from July 28 to 29.

At INDRA NAVY-21 while the Indian Navy was represented by the stealth Frigate INS Tabar, the Russian Navy was represented by Corvettes RFS Zelyony Dol and RFS Odintsovo of the Baltic Fleet.

The exercise progressed over two days and included various facets of fleet operations such as anti-air firings, underway replenishment drills, helicopter ops, boarding drills and seamanship evolutions.

INDRA NAVY has matured over the years with increase in scope, complexity of operations and level of participation.

The primary aim of this year’s edition is to further consolidate inter-operability built up by the two Navies over the years and also to enhance understanding and procedures for multi-faceted maritime operations.

The scope of this edition includes wide-ranging and diverse activities across the spectrum of maritime operations.

Exercise INDRA NAVY-21, was conducted despite the constraints imposed by the pandemic, enabling further strengthening of mutual confidence, inter-operability and sharing of best practices between both navies.

The exercise is another milestone in strengthening cooperation between the two navies and reinforcing the long-standing bond of friendship between the two countries.