Russian Federation Navy (RuFN) ships Varyag, Admiral Panteleyev and Boris Butoma arrived in Visakhapatnam to participate in Indra Navy, the Indo-Russian maritime exercise.
The 10th edition of the bilateral exercise will be conducted off Visakhapatnam from December 9 to 16, 2018.
Indra Navy aims to increase interoperability between the two navies and develop common understanding and procedures for maritime security operations. Initiated in 2003, the exercise has increased in scope, complexity and level of participation.
#BridgesofFriendship Russian Federation Navy (RuFN) ships Varyag, Admiral Panteleyev & Boris Butoma enter Visakhapatnam to participate in INDRA NAVY, the bilat maritime ex betn #IndianNavy & #RussianFederationNavy @SpokespersonMoD @DefenceMinIndia pic.twitter.com/VSZObyYNOB
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) December 9, 2018
This year, the exercise will be held in two phases. The Harbour Phase would be held in Visakhapatnam from December 9 to 12 and would encompass planning conferences, professional interactions, cultural visits, sports fixtures and formal calls between Flag Officers/ Senior Officers of the participating navies.
What is more, the Sea Phase is planned to be conducted in the Bay of Bengal from December 13 to 16. The exercises at sea will encompass Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW), Air Defence drills, Surface Firings, Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations and tactical procedures.
During Indra Navy 2018, the Indian Navy will be represented by INS Ranvir, a guided missile destroyer, INS Satpura, an indigenous frigate, INS Kadmatt, an indigenous anti- submarine warfare (ASW) corvette, IN Ships Kuthar and Khanjar, both indigenous missile corvettes, and INS Jyoti, a fleet tanker.
In addition, one Sindhughosh class submarine, Dornier maritime patrol aircraft, Hawk fighter aircraft and other integral rotary wing helicopters will be taking part in the exercise.
The Indian Navy interacts with the Russian Federation Navy on many fronts, which include operational interactions, training, hydrographic cooperation and exchange of subject matter experts in various fields through the medium of Navy-to-Navy Staff Talks.