India, Russia joint military exercise begins

Indian and Russian armies on Tuesday commenced their two-week INDRA-2015 joint military exercise at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan's Bikaner district, over 350 km from here.

The drill focuses on "counter terrorism operations in the backdrop of desert terrain under a United Nations Mandate".

"The seventh Indo-Russian joint training, INDRA-2015, commenced with an impressive opening ceremony that saw the unfurling of the national flags of both countries amidst playing of the national anthems,"a defence ministry release issued here said.

The exercise is scheduled to end on November 20.

The two contingents also presented an impressive parade in front of Major General P.C. Thimmaya, General Officer Commanding, Red Eagle Division and Major General Sergey N Legotin, Commander, Independent Motorised Brigade.

Earlier on November 7, a Russian contingent from an Independent Motorised Brigade comprising 250 military personnel, along with supporting staff, landed at Bikaner from Russia.

INDRA-2015 would also focus on ensuring a high degree of physical fitness, tactical drills, techniques and procedures.

The exercise, which would be conducted in two phases - combat conditioning/tactical training and validation would be witnessed by senior Indian and Russian generals.