Russia, India to hold joint naval exercises

Moscow, Apr 17: Russia and India will conduct joint naval counter-terrorism exercises 'Indra-2007' in the Sea of Japan on April 24-26, the press service of Russia's Pacific Fleet said today.

This will be the third such joint exercises between the two countries since 2003. The biennial joint exercises between the Russian and Indian navies are aimed at 'practicing cooperative engagement' in the fight against terrorism.

Russia will be represented by two large anti-submarine ships, a missile boat, a diesel submarine, a group of mine-sweepers, a tanker, two tug boats, two Ka-27 Helix helicopters and an Il-38 May maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft, RIA Novosti news agency reported quoting a source.

The Indian naval group will comprise three missile destroyers, a missile corvette and a tanker.

The exercises will include surface live ammunition firing, air defence and anti-submarine warfare manoeuvres.

The naval groups will also practice operations related to maintaining maritime order and countering piracy, terrorism and drug smuggling.

UNI