Exercise Indra Navy 2016 Commences Between Indian & Russian Navies

India and Russia commenced their annual bilateral naval exercise ‘Indra Navy-16’ 14^th December in the Bay of Bengal. Indra Navy is the Naval version of Army exercise, Indra.

This is the 9^th edition of the joint exercise and will continue till 21^st December.

Indra Navy 2016 — Russia’s Rear Admiral E Mikhailov, Dy Chief of Pacific Fleet calls on Indian Vice Admiral HCS Bisht, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command

Here are the key points of this exercise:

The primary aim of Indra Navy-16 is to increase interoperability between the two navies and develop common understanding and procedures for maritime security operations.
The scope of the exercise includes wide-ranging professional interactions in harbour phase and a diverse canvas of operational activities across a spectrum of maritime operations at sea.
The exercise has matured over the years with the increase in scope, complexity of operations and level of participation.
During exercise INDRA NAVY-16, the Indian Navy will be represented by INS Ranvir a guided missile destroyer, INS Satpura an indigenous frigate and INS Kamorta an indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) corvette.
In addition, an Indian Naval submarine, P8I Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Dornier Short Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer and other integral rotary wing helicopters are scheduled to participate in the bilateral exercise.
The Russian Federation Navy (RuFN) will be represented by Rear Admiral Eduard Mikhalov, Deputy Chief of Flotilla, Pacific Fleet and ships from the Pacific Fleet, based at Vladivostok.
RuFN ships Admiral Tributus (cruiser) and Boris Butoma (fleet tanker) are expected to arrive at Visakhapatnam on 14 December 2016 to participate in exercise INDRA NAVY-16.
Russian Navy’s Guided Missile Destroyer Admiral Tributs DDG-564 enters Visakhapatnam
The exercise will comprise two phases – the Harbour Phase which will go on from 14^th December to 18^th December at Visakhapatnam; and the Sea Phase from 19^th December to 21^st December off Visakhapatnam coast.
The Harbour Phase will encompass table-top exercises, planning conferences, and professional interactions prior to progressing to sea.
The thrust of the sea exercises this year will be on anti-submarine warfare, air defence drills, surface firings, visit board search and seizure and tactical procedures.

Indra Navy will help to further strengthen mutual confidence and interoperability, and also enable sharing of best practices between both navies. The exercise will be another milestone in strengthening maritime security cooperation between the two navies and will also serve to reinforce the longstanding bond of friendship between the two countries.