Naval leg of Indo-Russian tri-service exercise starts in Goa

The opening ceremony of the Naval leg of the Indo-Russian tri-service exercise 'INDRA2019' was held at Mormugao Harbour in Goa, 40 km from here, on Wednesday.

A release by the Indian Navy said its ships Tarkash and Aditya, and Russian Federation Navy's Yaroslav Mudriy, Viktor Konetsky and Elnya are participating in the exercise off Goa coast.

The ships will undergo 'Harbour Phase' of the exercise till December 15. It will include deployment planning, cross visits, professional lectures and sports fixtures.

"The Sea Phase will be conducted from December 16 to 19 with a joint validation exercise on December 18 including participants from the Indian Army and Indian Air Force," he said.

During the launch on Wednesday, the Naval Band played national anthems of India and Russia.

Rear Admiral Philipose G Pynumootil, Flag Officer Commanding Goa Naval Area, delivered the opening address, where he emphasized the importance of INDRA evolving into a tri-service exercise and the long-standing cooperation with Russia in defence technology, training and equipment.

Rear Admiral Vladimir Vorobev, Chief of Staff, Baltic Fleet represented the Russian Federation Navy. Vorobev also addressed the gathering.

Earlier in the day, a Russian delegation comprising senior naval officers called on the Flag Officer Commanding Goa Naval Area, who returned the call by visiting Russian ship Yaroslav Mudriy.