INDRA 2017: India-Russian to conduct first tri-services military exercise

India and Russia have begun discussions to work out modalities for conducting their first tri-service military exercise INDRA 2017 in October 2017 in Russia. It will be India’s first bilateral military exercise with any country involving all three services. The Final Planning Conference (FPC) of exercise will be held from September 2017 in Russia to finalise all logistical issues and modalities.

Key Facts

The 2017 Indra exercise will primarily focus on achieving coordination between forces of two countries in tri- services integrated theatre command scenario. The aim of exercise is to carry out joint exercises for suppression of international terrorist activities under United Nations mandate.
Indian Army will send about 350 soldiers from infantry, artillery and armoured streams. Indian Navy is fielding two ships, stealth frigate, INS Satpura, and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) corvette, INS Kadmatt, along with two on-board helicopters. Indian Air Force (IAF) is likely to share fighter jets of host.
The headquarters of Integrated Defence Staff under Defence Ministry is leading exercises from Indian side. India’s efforts for tri-service integration will provide opportunity to synergise jointness between its services and see how other countries function jointly.

Month: Current Affairs - September, 2017