Russia and India launch military drills on land, sea and air

Indra-2026 is aimed at improving coordination and operational compatibility between the militaries of the two countries

Russia and India have launched joint tri-service military exercise Indra-2026 involving army units, warships, and air force assets.

The bilateral military maneuvers are aimed at improving coordination and operational compatibility between forces of the two countries.

The opening ceremony for the land component was held at a Central Military District training ground in the Chelyabinsk Region on Tuesday, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.

The land phase of the exercise will run until October 23, with the two sides practicing command and control and carrying out a simulated joint operation against illegal armed groups. The Russian contingent will be made up primarily of troops from the 90th Guards Tank Division. 

In Vladivostok, the opening ceremony for the naval component was attended by the crews of the Russian corvette Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov and the Indian Navy frigate INS Sahyadri, which arrived in the Russian Pacific port several days earlier.

Russian and Indian officials said the exercise will contribute to stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

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The naval phase is scheduled for October 16-17 in the Sea of Japan, where ships will conduct tactical maneuvering, live firing at sea and air targets, a boarding operation, and a drill to free a vessel seized by mock terrorists.

One segment will also include joint action against attacks by unmanned aerial vehicles and unmanned boats.

The air component will see Russian and Indian Air Force crews flying Su-30SM fighter aircraft fly drills against small low-flying targets, simulate strikes on carriers using short- and medium-range airborne weapons, and air combat practice at low and medium altitudes.

Crews flying Mi-8 helicopters will also practice inserting special forces and conducting search-and-rescue missions in difficult terrain.