18 April, 2007 (FIDSNS)

Ria Novosti reports that India and Russia will conduct joint naval counter-terrorism exercises called INDRA-2007 in the Sea of Japan on April 24-26.

INDRA-2007 is a biennial joint exercise between the Russian and Indian navies aimed at practicing cooperative engagement in the fight against terrorism. It is the third such exercise since 2003.

As reported by Russian Pacific fleet news sources, Russian will be represented by two large anti-submarine ships, a missile boat, a diesel submarine, a group of mine-sweepers, a tanker, two tug boats, two Ka-27 Helix helicopters and an Il-38 May maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft.

The Indian naval group will comprise of INS Rana, INS Ranjit, INS Mysore, INS Kuthar and INS Jyoti.

The exercises will include surface live ammunition firing, air defense and anti-submarine warfare maneuvers. The naval groups will also practice operations related to maintaining maritime order and countering piracy, terrorism, and drug smuggling.