India and Russia decided to held a Joint Air Force Exercise in 2014

India and Russia on 18 November 2013 agreed to expand the range of strategic partnership in a significant manner in Moscow. The two countries will also hold a Joint Air Force Level exercise for the first time in 2014.

The decision was taken during the 13th Meeting of the India–Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation (IRITC-MTC) and it was co chaired by AK Antony, the Defence Minister of India and His counterpart of Russia, Sergey Shoigu. This decision was taken by the two countries within two days after commissioning of INS Vikramadatya into Indian Navy. 

The Agreements

• The two countries agreed to hold a joint Air Force level exercise for the first time, which will happen in 2014 with a joint Navy Exercise in the Peter the Great Bay in the Sea of Japan. Recently, the armies of the two countries held an Exercise Indra in Rajasthan with a focus on anti-terrorism.
• Agreement was reached between the two ministers on further cooperation at all levels, especially in view of the regional and global challenges and to fight the menace of terrorism jointly. Both sides reviewed the situation in West Asia, especially in Syria and the evolving paradigm in Afghanistan.
• The two sides also agreed on to expand the cooperation not only in product design and development but also to involve various echelons of the Defence establishments in strategizing policies and cooperation in the fast changing global security scenario.

The Indian delegation in Russia also laid a wreath at the World War-II memorial at Poklonnaya Gora (Bow-Down Hill) of the Victory Park. A ceremonial guard of honour was also presented. Shoigu has also assured to India that the Indian pilots will be trained by the Naval Aviation Specialists to take offs and landing on the INS Vikramaditya, which may be held in Goa.

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