Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Indo-Russian joint exercise INDRA 2015 begins in Bikaner

November 09, 2015 20:58 IST

The seventh Indo-Russian joint training exercise INDRA-2015 commenced on Monday at Mahajan field firing range in Bikaner.

A Russian soldier stands alongside Indian soldiers during the commencement of the joint military exercise.

The two contingents presented a parade before the senior officers in the ceremony with unfurling of the National Flags of both the countries.

The Russian contingent from an Independent Motorised Brigade comprising 250 Military personnel along with supporting staff landed at Bikaner directly from Russia on November 7, according to defence spokesperson Lt Col Manish Ojha.

Army officials from Russia and India review the parade which includes both Indian and Russian soldiers.

The 14-day training schedule is focused on training on 'Counter Terrorism Operations in the backdrop of Desert terrain under a United Nations Mandate'.

The opening ceremony was held at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges where Major General PC Thimmaya, General Officer Commanding-Red Eagle Division welcomed the Russian contingent and urged both contingents to strive to understand each others' battle drills and procedures so as to achieve optimum cohesion and enhanced inter operability between the two forces, the spokesperson said in a release.

Indian and Russian flags being hoisted at the commencement ceremony.

"He stressed upon the importance of free exchange in ideas, discussion of concepts and assimilation of best practices between the troops of the two nations. Enhancing mutual confidence and inter operability between the two armies would be a priority," he stated.

Cultural programmes were also held at the ceremony.

A battalion commander leads the Indian contingent.

The exercise is scheduled to finally terminate on November 20. 

© Copyright 2024 PTI. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of PTI content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent.