Indo-Russian 'Exercise Indra' drill ends on high note, army prepared for challenges ahead

The Indian Army, which today added another feather to its cap with the successful completion of Exercise Indra 2013, involving Russian and Indian forces, said its training standards are very high and it is ready for the challenges ahead.

"The armoured and mechanized infantry of the army is good. Our training standards are excellent. The joint exercise was done under tough circumstances. The firings were accurate despite that. We have full faith on the mechanized divisions," said Lt Gen N.S Ghei, General Officer Commanding 10 Corps, while responding to a poser on the army's preparedness.

Asserting that India and Russia share old and special ties, he said this joint military drill will be of great benefit to the two sides.

Exercise Gangneva, which was conducted at the Mahajan Field Firing Range here as part of the drill, saw both Indian and Russian mechanized troops capture a notional rebel strong point by fire assault of attack helicopters, tanks and BMPs.

The exercise, which displayed a coordination of tactics and jointmanship, had the troops of the two sides mixed together and performing their assigned tasks.

"For the first time, we have integrated both troops together. The Russian tanks operated under Indian commander and vice versa. This has been a good improvement," said Lt. Gen. Ghei.

Troops of the two sides had earlier participated in Exercise Vindhural during which they indulged in search and destroy operations.

The aim of Exercise Indra is to enhance the ability of both armies to operate as an integrated force for peacekeeping operations within the framework of the United Nations.