The ninth edition of exercise INDRA NAVY, an annual bilateral maritime exercise between Indian Navy and Russian Navy began in the Bay of Bengal.
The primary aim of exercise INDRA NAVY-16 is to increase inter-operability amongst the two navies and develop common understanding and procedures for maritime security operations.
Key Facts
- The scope of the exercise includes wide-ranging professional interactions in harbor phase and a diverse canvas of operational activities across a spectrum of maritime operations at sea.
- The exercise will be held in two phases viz. Harbour Phase (14 to 18 December 2016) at Visakhapatnam and tSea Phase (19 to 21 December 2016) off Visakhapatnam.
- The Harbour Phase will encompass table-top exercises, planning conferences, and professional interactions prior progressing to sea.
- The thrust of exercises at sea will be on Air Defence Drills, ASW, Surface Firings, visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) and Tactical procedures.
- Indian Navy will be represented by INS Ranvir a guided missile destroyer, INS Satpura an indigenous frigate and INS Kamorta an indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) corvette.
- In addition, an INS submarine, Dornier Short Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft, P8I Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft and other integral rotary wing helicopters will also participate.
- Russian Navy (RuFN) will be represented by Rear Admiral Eduard Mikhalov, Deputi Chief of Flotilla, Pacific Fleet and ships from the Pacific Fleet, based at Vladivostok. RuFN ships Admiral Tributus (cruiser) and Boris Butoma (fleet tanker) are part of the fleet.
Background
INDRA NAVY is a bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian and Russian navies was initiated in 2003. It epitomizes the strategic relationship between the two countries. Over the years, the exercise has matured with increase in scope, complexity of operations and level of participation.
Comment
Exercise INDRA NAVY 16 will help to further strengthen mutual confidence and inter-operability, and also enable sharing of best practices between both navies. It will be another milestone in strengthening maritime security cooperation between Indian and Russia. It will also serve to reinforce the long standing bond of friendship between the two countries.