Russia hosts Indian Warships

In a demonstration of India's commitment to longstanding India-Russia Strategic Partnership and Indian Navy's increasing footprint and operational reach, Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri, Shakti and Kirch have arrived at Vladivostok on a four-day visit (27 Jun - 01 Jul 2016). This is as a part of deployment of the Eastern Fleet to the South China Sea.

#OSD EF Indian Naval ships visit Vladivostok, Russia. Accorded Guard of honour, press meet. #MaritimeDiplomacy pic.twitter.com/oRRsnHHu85

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) June 27, 2016

The current visit seeks to enhance maritime cooperation between the Indian Navy and the Russian Navy. It will further bolster the strong bonds of friendship between India and Russia and contribute to security and stability in this vital part of the world.

#OSD EF RAdm SV Bokhare FOCEF calling on Chief of Staff, Russian Pacific Fleet pic.twitter.com/bQYCjZ8n8v

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) June 27, 2016

Programme for the IN ships:

During the visit, the INDRA NAVY (IN) ships will have professional interactions with the Russian Navy aimed at enhancing co-operation between the two forces.

#OSD EF Few glimpses of our ships entering Vladivostok Russia on a goodwill visit + ceremonial GoH @SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/DNRSz15noc

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) June 27, 2016

In addition, between the two navies programmes are planned where in the Indian ships will call on senior Government and military authorities, have sporting and cultural interactions and share best practices to strengthen ties and mutual understanding.

#OSD EF 'Breaking the Bread' ceremony with RAdm SV Bokhare FOCEF. Our relations go a long way. @SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/oAA2HTDFG3

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) June 27, 2016

The visiting IN ships will conduct exercises with the Russian Navy, aimed at enhancing interoperability in communication as well as Search and Rescue procedures, post departure from Vladivostok.

#OSD EF RAdm SV Bokhare laying wreath at a memorial at Vladivostok #MaritimeDiplomacy @SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/AgSBT8Xf1d

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) June 28, 2016

India and Russia collaborations:

The relation between India and Russia is time tested and both the countries have shared friendly ties in the field of culture, trade and economy, science and technology and most important field amongst all has been defence. Both the countries keep interacting and cooperate in all areas.

#OSD EF Ambassador of India to Russia Sh Pankaj Saran visits INS Sahyadri, meets offrs & men. @SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/XS8bEgu0ev

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) June 28, 2016

The other areas where India and Russia cooperate are space technology, hydro carbon exploration and peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Both the countries have evolved from just being a buyer and seller of arms to being two nations which conduct joint research in military and also try to develop and produce advanced defence technologies and systems.

#OSD EF RAdm SV Bokhare laying wreath at a memorial at Vladivostok #MaritimeDiplomacy @SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/BnnrB1G4qn

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) June 28, 2016

The various proofs of the evolving strategic partnership between Russia and India are: BrahMos missile system, Joint design and development of Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft, licensed production of SU-30 aircraft and T-90 tanks and induction of Aircraft Carrier Vikramditya into the Indian Navy.

On the similar lines the Indian Navy and Russian Navy have also forged enduring linkages with each other, beyond commonality of weapon systems and equipment, overcoming barriers of distance and language. The navies of both the countries engage with each other annually through the IN series of maritime exercise in addition to reciprocal visits by training teams, high-level delegations and ships.