India and Russia kicked off the 11th iteration of their bilateral military exercise, designated Indra-2019, at a military training ground in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on December 11, according to the Indian Ministry of Defense (MoD).
The exercise will be simultaneously conducted in Uttar Pradesh, Goa, a state on the southwestern coast of India, and in the western Indian state of Maharashtra. Indra-2019 is expected to run through December 21.
The exercise will include air, ground, and sea elements from both countries. “Company sized mechanized contingents, fighter and transport aircraft and ships of respective services of both the countries are taking part in the exercise,” the MoD said a statement. “The aim of [the] exercise is joint training of troops in counter terrorism operations under the United Nations mandate.”
The land component of the exercise will reportedly involve eight tactical episodes with the Indian Army providing around 20 combat vehicles, including tanks and infantry fighting vehicles, to the Russian forces.
According to India Strategic:
The exercise will be simultaneously conducted at Babina (near Jhansi), Goa and Pune. Company sized mechanised contingents, fighter and transport aircraft and ships of respective services of both the countries are taking part in the exercise.
The aim of exercise is joint training of troops in counter terrorism operations under the United Nations mandate.
Exercise INDRA-2019 will further cement the long standing strategic ties between India and Russia.
As part of the exercise, important lectures, demonstrations and drills related to counter terrorism operations will be conducted.
Both the countries will also share their valuable experience in countering such situations and refine drills and procedures for joint operations.
The exercise will culminate with a 72 hours validation phase which will test the skills of soldiers, sailors and airmen in conducting joint operations in a counter terrorism scenario.