Exercise Indra: Joint tri service Exercise between India and Russia

The Joint tri service exercise between India and Russia, INDRA 2019 is to be held between December 10-19, 2019 in Pune. The event is planned for 10 days between army, naval and air force forces of both the countries.

Highlights

The exercise is to be held in Pune and Goa simultaneously. Fighter aircrafts, company sized mechanized contingents and ships of respective armies are participating in the exercise. The forces are to be trained in tactical operation end drills like handling and neutralization of Improvised Explosive devices, arms smuggling prevention and anti-piracy measures.

The exercise will be followed by 72-hour validation exercise.

Background

The series of INDRA exercises between India and Russia began in 2003. However, the first joint tri service exercise began in 2017.

The defense relations between India and Russia are historic. However, close ties of Russia with China hurt India. Similarly, India’s 2+2 dialogue, LEMOA and COMCASA agreements with the USA bothers Russia. However, India is trying to balance its relations with both the countries. India went on to buy S-400 missiles from Russia in spite US’s insistence under CAATSA act.

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2019