INDRA: India-Russia begins 12th edition of joint military exercise in Volgograd

India and Russia started the 12th edition of the Indo-Russia Joint Military Exercise (INDRA) at Volgograd city in Russia on August 4, 2021.

As per the Indian Army, 250 personnel from the armies of India and Russia will form part of the military exercise.

The Indian Army contingent which will participate in the upcoming military exercise will comprise a mechanized infantry battalion. The contingent also underwent rigorous training at different locations in India to refine their drills for participation in the joint military exercise.

Volgograd is a major city in Russia that is situated on the Western Bank of the Volga River.

Indo-Russia joint training Exercise INDRA 2021 commenced at Prudboy Ranges, Russia today.

Aim of exercise is to facilitate joint training between Indian & Russian Armies to jointly plan & conduct counter-terror operations under the United Nations mandate: Indian Army official pic.twitter.com/PxVeXrYhFv

— ANI (@ANI) August 4, 2021

Objective:

The 12th edition of the INDRA military exercise between India and Russia will entail the conduct of the counter-terror operations under the United Nations mandate by a joint force against the International Terror Groups.

Significance:

•  The 12th edition of the INDRA exercise will be yet another milestone in strengthening bilateral security cooperation.

•  It will also serve to reinforce the long-standing friendship between India and Russia.

•  The military exercise will further strengthen the interoperability and mutual confidence between the Indian and the Russian armies. It will enable the sharing of best practices between the contingents of both nations.

About INDRA Military exercise:

INDRA is a joint biennial military exercise that was first conducted by India and Russia in 2003. The military exercise is aimed to boost the cooperation and interoperability between the Indian and the Russian navies.

It involves live-firing drills, as well as air defence and anti-submarine operations. Additionally, terrorism, counterpiracy, and drug smuggling operations are also carried out in the exercise.