India and Russia Conclude INDRA 2026 Naval Exercise

India and Russia conducted the naval component of Exercise INDRA 2026 from 13 to 18 October in Russian waters. The exercise’s harbour phase took place at Vladivostok, and its sea phase was held in the Sea of Japan. Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri departed Vladivostok on 20 October, marking the conclusion of the naval engagement.

Exercise INDRA and Its Phases

Exercise INDRA is a bilateral military exercise between India and Russia involving their armed forces. The 2026 edition included naval and land components, with the wider exercise continuing until 23 October. The land activities took place in Russia’s Chelyabinsk Region and the Russian Far East, and included ground-force units and aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces. The naval exercise had two phases. The Harbour Phase in Vladivostok included professional interactions, cross-deck visits, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, operational synchronisation activities, sports fixtures and cultural exchanges. The Sea Phase in the Sea of Japan involved coordinated manoeuvring, integrated communications, helicopter operations and medical evacuation drills.

Participating Ships and Naval Activities

INS Sahyadri, an indigenously built Indian Navy stealth frigate, participated alongside the Russian Federation Navy ship Aldar Tsydenzhapov. The ships and participating units carried out activities at sea to practise coordination between naval forces. Cross-deck visits and professional exchanges formed part of the harbour activities. At sea, integrated communications and coordinated manoeuvring were among the exercises conducted by participating units. Helicopter operations and medical evacuation drills were also included in the sea phase.

India–Russia Defence and Maritime Context

The 2026 exercise followed the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, held in December 2025. Its maritime engagement also aligned with India’s MAHASAGAR vision. INDRA 2026 involved military personnel and assets from both countries across naval and land components.

Important Facts for Exams

• The naval component of INDRA 2026 ran from 13 to 18 October 2026.
• Vladivostok hosted the harbour phase, while the Sea of Japan hosted the sea phase.
• INS Sahyadri is an indigenously built stealth frigate of the Indian Navy.
• The wider cross-branch exercise continued until 23 October 2026 and included land activities in Russia.

The 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit took place in December 2025. The Sea of Japan is a marginal sea of the western Pacific Ocean.