Indo-Russian Military Cooperation

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
23-June, 2017 10:39 IST
17TH Meeting of India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation Held in Moscow

The 17th Meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation concluded in Moscow today under the Co-Chairmanship of the Defence Minister Shri Arun Jaitley and the Defence Minister of Russia Mr. Sergei Shoigu.

The discussions were productive and held in an atmosphere of warmth and friendship. India's military technical cooperation with Russia is one of the key pillars of our relations with Russia.

During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction at the concrete progress that has been made in all areas of cooperation since the last meeting of the Commission in October 2016.

In a major outcome, both sides have agreed to a roadmap for the development of bilateral defence cooperation for which a Protocol has been signed. The roadmap includes specific activities to be concluded by both sides, and aims to enhance cooperation in the field of political and military dialogue, exercises, exchange of visits, military cooperation and training of military personnel.

The Defence Minister Shri Jaitley conveyed the utmost importance of having a robust and reliable after-sale support mechanism with regard to serviceability of Russian origin equipment and new opportunities for participation of Russian companies in the Indian defence manufacturing sector, as part of the 'Make in India' programme, under the new strategic partnership policy of the Government of India.

Both sides also agreed to conclude various ongoing negotiations for different platforms, as well as restructure the Intergovernmental Commission to enhance military to military cooperation.

It was decided that the next meeting of the Commission will take place in India next year on mutually convenient dates.

 

[Hindustani78]

Army General of Indian Armed forces Durga Prasad Nudurupati

https://sputniknews.com/russia/201707051055234897-india-delegation-russian-polygon-visit/


The Indian delegation has visited the polygon of Russia’s Pacific Fleet Sergeevsky, located on the coast of the Sea of Japan, as part of the preparation for upcoming Russian-Indian joint military exercises Indra-2017, Vladimir Matveyev, the spokesman of the Russian Eastern Military District’s Pacific Fleet said Wednesday.

VLADIVOSTOK (Sputnik) — On Monday, Russia's Eastern Military District said that up to 900 Russian servicemen will take part in the Indra-2017 drills. set to take place in fall in Russia's Far East region.

«The Primorsky region’s military units demonstrated their firing capabilities to the Indian guests. The Russian servicemen carried out training exercises, using the armament of BMP-2, T-72 tanks as well as the grenade launchers and small arms,” Matveyev told reporters.

Indra-2017 exercises will be carried out to train military command and coordination of actions, practicing the tactical maneuvers of combined units and improving the interaction between the Russian and Indian troops.

In June, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced that Indra-2017 would be interspecific and would involve land units, naval and air fleet.

In 2016, Russia and India held anti-terror and naval exercises in Primorsky Territory in the Russian Far East engaging over 500 servicemen and up to 50 military vehicles.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
18-July, 2017 15:14 IST
Defence agreements with Russia

Details of defence agreements signed with Russia over the past five years is as under:

•Agreement for training of Indian armed forces personnel in the military educational establishments of the Defence Ministry of the Russian Federation. (Date of signing 11.12.2014).

•Agreement between the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation on cooperation in Aircraft flight safety. (Date of signing 21.01.2015).

•Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Russian Federation on cooperation in the field of Helicopter Engineering. (Date of signing 24.12.2015).

•Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of India on supply of S-400 Triumph Air Defence Missile systems to the Republic of India. (Date of signing 15.10.2016).

•Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of India for construction of follow-on-ships of project 11356 in Russia and in India (Date of signing 15.10.2016).

The Government makes all efforts to encourage greater manufacturing of defence equipment in India through the ‘Make in India’ framework, including through transfer of technology arrangements. Several licensed production agreements have been implemented with Russian companies in India, such as for Sukhoi-30 aircraft, T-90 tanks, BMP-2 armoured personnel carriers etc. Divulging the texts of such Agreements will not be in the interest of national security.

This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Shri Shantaram Naik in Rajya Sabha today.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
24-August, 2017 11:40 IST
Indian Navy Band to Participate in International Military Music Festival in Moscow (Russia)

The International Military Music Festival "Spasskaya Tower" is the parade of the best military music bands of Russia and other countries that takes place every year at Red Square in Moscow. This Music Festival is a mega event, where military musicians represent the variety of national, artistic and military traditions of the world.


Every year about 1500 musicians, military men and other artists from around 40 countries perform at the "Spasskaya Tower". The Festival is duly considered one of the largest international events in Russia and attracts tremendous response of the general public.


"Spasskaya Tower" is scheduled this year from 24 Aug to 03 Sep 17. A Tri-Services band from the Indian Armed Forces has also been invited to participate and perform in the prestigious event. The participation of the Tri- Services Band would foster better ties between the Armed Forces of the two countries and is also a befitting acknowledgment of the professional skills of the Indian Armed Forces bands.


The Tri- Services Band comprises 07 Officers and 55 PBORs. The Naval Band component comprising of 01 officer and 09 musician sailors is being led by Commander Satish K Champion, Command Musician Officer, Eastern Naval Command. The Tri- Services Band is scheduled to depart for Moscow from New Delhi on 23 Aug 17.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
16-October, 2017 18:21 IST
“Exercise INDRA - 2017: Indo-Russia Joint Exercise”

First Ever International Tri Service Exercise

Giving the Indo-Russian defence cooperation a major boost, Exercise INDRA-2017, the first ever Tri Services Joint Exercise between Indian and Russian Armed Forces will be conducted in the Eastern Military District of Russia from 19 to 29 Oct 2017. Exercise INDRA in its previous nine avatars has been conducted as a single service exercise alternately between the two countries. The year 2017 marks a major milestone as this Exercise has been upgraded to involve all the three Services of the Armed Forces (Army, Navy & Air Force), which further accentuates the importance of Joint Services in the present world environment.

Exercise INDRA-2017 will be conducted at the 249th Combined Army Range Sergeevisky and in the Sea of Japan near Vladivostok. The Indian contingent will comprise of 350 personnel from Army, 80 from Air Force, two IL 76 aircraft and one Frigate and Corvette each from the Navy. The Russian Federation Armed Forces will be represented by approximately 1000 troops of the 5th Army, Marines and Ships of Pacific Fleet and aircraft from Eastern Military District.

Addressing the Indian Contingent today, Lt Gen Satish Dua, UYSM, SM, VSM, CISC reminded them of the importance of the upcoming Exercise which will provide an opportunity to the armed forces of both countries to train in counter terrorism operations in a multinational scenario in a joint tri service environment. The scope of the Exercise includes professional interactions, establishment of joint command and control structures between the Indian & Russian forces and elimination of terrorist threat in a multinational environment under the UN mandate.

Exercise INDRA-2017 will strengthen mutual confidence, inter-operability and enable sharing of best practices between both the armed forces. It will be a landmark event in the history of Indo-Russian defence cooperation.

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Ministry of Defence
16-October, 2017 18:04 IST
RRM Discusses Issues Related to Defence Land at Nagpur and Kamptee Cantt Boards

A meeting was held under the Chairmanship of Raksha Rajya Mantri Dr. Subhash Bhamre and Minister for Energy, New & Renewable Energy, State Excise, Government of Maharashtra Shri Chandrashekhar Bawankule here today to discuss on various issues related to Defence land at Nagpur District and Kamptee Cantonment Boards.

During the meeting various pending defence land transfer issues with Maharashtra Government and development projects pertaining to Kamptee Cantonment Board with the financial assistance from the State Government were discussed.

Officials from Ministry of Defence, Govt. of Maharashtra, Directorate General of Defence Estates (DGDE), Army Headquarters (AHQ) and Local Military Authorities from Nagpur were also present.

MJPS/NA/DK/RP

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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
19-October, 2017 15:24 IST
INDRA-2017

India and Russia have had longstanding military and diplomatic ties and to preserve these bonds of cooperation, India and Russia undertake annual military exercise INDRA. This milestone in military cooperation of the two nations epitomizes their strong and resilient relations. INDRA-2017 is the first tri-service bilateral exercise between the two countries.

On 18 Oct 2017, Indian contingent flew in IL-76 aircraft of the Indian Air Force to Vladivostok comprising of Army and Air Force personnel. The contingent, led by the Task Force Commander, Maj Gen ND Prasad was accorded a warm welcome by Commander of the Fifth Army of Russian Eastern Military District, Maj Gen Kutuzov.

On 19 Oct 2017, two indigenously built Indian Naval ships INS Satpura and INS Kadmatt arrived at Vladivostok Port and were given a traditional ceremonial welcome. Rear Admiral Anatoliy Zelinsky, Deputy Commander, Pacific Fleet of the Russian Navy was present on the occasion.

Earlier in the day, the delegation led by Maj Gen ND Prasad, Task Force Commander called on Mr Alexey Litvinov, the acting Mayor of Vladivostok. Maj Gen ND Prasad thanked the Mayor for the extremely warm welcome accorded to the Indian contingent and expressed the hope that the exercise would lead to increased mutual cooperation between the two countries. Also, the Naval Component Commander Rear Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta interacted with Admiral Sergei Avakyants, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Pacific Fleet in a warm and cordial atmosphere.

An observer delegation led by Lt Gen JS Negi along with Air Vice Marshal VR Chaudhari and Rear Admiral V Sreenivas visited the 249 Sergeyvsky Training Ranges where a major part of the Army and Air Force component of tri-service exercise INDRA-2017 will be conducted. The delegation was briefed on the overall conduct of the exercise, after which they visited the camp where the contingent was being accommodated.

INDRA-2017 will serve towards strengthening mutual confidence and interoperability as well as sharing of the best practices between the armed forces of both the countries. The joint tri-service exercise will be a demonstration of the increasing commitment of both nations to address common challenges across the full spectrum of operations.

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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
20-October, 2017 17:22 IST
Opening Ceremony of Indra-2017

In a glittering opening ceremony at Vladivostok, Russia this morning Indian Task Force Commander Maj Gen ND Prasad and Chief of Staff, Eastern Military District of the Russian Federation Lt Gen Solomatin declared the tri-service Exercise INDRA 2017 open.

The opening ceremony witnessed Maj Gen ND Prasad and Lt Gen Solomatin inspecting the smartly turned out contingents, which was followed by a march past by the tri-service contingents of both sides. The opening ceremony also witnessed an astounding display of traditional martial arts and folk dances by the Indian troops and a flypast by four fighter aircraft of Russian Federation Air Force.

In his opening address, Maj Gen ND Prasad, the Indian Task Force Commander said that the initiative taken for the first ever tri-service exercise between both countries reflects the vibrancy of the continued Indo-Russian strategic partnership and that with the rich operational experience of both Russian and Indian armies in counter insurgency operations, both sides will gain immensely from each other and further develop their capabilities. Lt Gen Solomatin, Chief of Staff, Eastern Military District of the Russian Federation stated that the tri-service exercise will further strengthen the relationship between the two defence forces and lead to enhanced mutual cooperation between the two great countries.

Lt Gen JS Negi, leader of the tri-services Observer delegation, during his media interaction, said that the conduct of the first ever tri-service exercise between the two countries is a significant step in mutual cooperation and marks an important milestone in the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He expressed his confidence that the joint training between the two defence forces over the next ten days will result in gaining from the experience and best practices of each other and would further enhance mutual confidence.

The opening ceremony was followed by a ceremonial banquet hosted by the Russian side, where both sides interacted in an informal atmosphere and expressed their common intent and strong resolve to conduct the exercise in a professional manner, so as to achieve the overall objectives of Exercise INDRA 2017.

MJPS/AB/RP

 

[Sankpal]

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
27-October, 2017 18:19 IST
Indra 2017 Enters Final Phase - Showcases Synergised Anti Terrorist Ops

Exercise Indra 2017, the first tri-service exercise between India and Russia, entered its final phase today, wherein the Task Force comprising of Armoured, Mechanised Infantry and Infantry elements, ably supported by Fighter Aircrafts and Armed Helicopters successfully extricated a humanitarian aid convoy from a terrorist attack. A terrorist attack on a humanitarian aid convoy was simulated as per the exercise setting. The humanitarian assistance was aimed for trapped civilians in a counter insurgency environment under UN mandate. The attack tested the response mechanism of the Combined Task Force of Indian and Russian Defence Forces. The terrorists were successfully isolated and the humanitarian aid convoy was escorted to safety. Simultaneously, Fighter Aircrafts and Armed Helicopters pulverized the target in an exceptional display of firepower while Artillery elements comprising of 122mm GRAD and howitzers further softened the target. Armoured Tanks closed in on the target along with Mechanised Infantry elements and cordoned off the entire area, and the stage was set for the Infantry to launch the final assault.

Later, speaking to the media, Maj Gen ND Prasad, the Task Force Commander of the Indian contingent expressed his happiness at the professional synergy displayed during the entire exercise not only between the Air force, Navy and the Army elements of the Indian Defence Forces, but also between the Indian and Russian Defence Forces, in spite of constraints of different language. He stated that the manner in which the exercise is being conducted between India and Russia is a reflection of the high level of professionalism of both sides and that the exercise has proved to be a great learning ground. Rear Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta, the Naval Component Leader and Air Commodore RGK Kapoor, the Air Force Component Leader reiterated that the synergy on display between the three services of both sides has reinforced the importance of tri-service cooperation and is the harbinger of things to come in future operations.

The last drill of Exercise Indra 2017 will be carried out on 28 Oct 2017 when the amphibious landing will take place wherein landing of ground forces at Cape of Klerk training area will be undertaken by Indian and Russian Naval Elements with Air Support.

Earlier, the active sea phase of Naval component commenced on 26 November in the Sea of Japan. For the last few days personnel of both the countries were put through various tactical and operational manoeuvres. They displayed high levels of professionalism and the exercise has generated an outstanding level of professional synergy and understanding of each other’s doctrines, concepts and methodology of execution of operations.

The Air Force component undertook various practice missions by combined Indo-Russian crew in Fighters, Transport and Helicopters during the training phase. These aircraft formed an integral part in the Joint Ops that was undertaken today and will also provide Air Support for tomorrow’s amphibious landing mission.

The exercise will culminate on 29th October in a grand closing ceremony which will be held at Vladivostok.

MJPS/NA/AB/NM/RP

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
29-October, 2017 20:17 IST
Exercise Indra-2017 Concluded in Vladivostok

The Indo-Russian military Exercise 'Indra-2017' culminated today at Vladivostok after eleven days of joint training in counter-terrorism operations.

After intense and exacting military training, the joint exercise concluded with a closing ceremony, wherein both the contingents showcased their immense talents with unique traditional touches. The grand closing ceremony at Vladivostok which comprised of personnel of both contingents was witnessed by senior officials and dignitaries of both countries including His Excellency Ambassador of India to the Russian Federation Shri Pankaj Saran. Personnel from the Indian as well as Russian contingents were awarded medals of excellence for their outstanding performance during the exercise. Fighters and Helicopters co-piloted by Indian and Russian pilots took part in the flypast along with an IAF IL-76 aircraft.

In the joint tactical exercise which began on 19 October 2017, the two countries conducted training focused on combating terrorism. In the series of bilateral exercises under this banner, the exercise this year focused on conduct of counter insurgency / counter terrorist operations under United Nations mandate in a joint service environment. The exercise also provided an opportunity to both the armies for greater cultural understanding, sharing experiences and strengthening mutual trust and co-operation.

Participants from both the Armed Forces expressed immense satisfaction at the conclusion of the training, in terms of the standards achieved in the validation phase of the training. The senior observers from the Indian Army and the contingents are carrying back cherished memories of the warm bonhomie generated and the outstanding professional association established amongst the participants. The joint exercise concluded today and the Indian contingent will depart for India on 30 October 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

Glimpse of closing ceremony of Ex Indra 2017, at Vladivostok, in Russia on October 29, 2017.

Glimpse of closing ceremony of Ex Indra 2017, at Vladivostok, in Russia on October 29, 2017.

Glimpse of closing ceremony of Ex Indra 2017, at Vladivostok, in Russia on October 29, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
01-November, 2017 16:37 IST
Joint Indo-Russia Tri-Services Exercise Indra-2017 successfully conducted

The Joint Indo-Russia Tri-Services Exercise INDRA-2017 was successfully conducted from 19 to 29 Oct 2017 at Vladivostok in Russia. The name of the exercise INDRA has been derived from INDia and RussiA. So far INDRA exercises have been undertaken between respective Armies, Navies and Air Forces engaged with each other without concurrent participation from other Services. 17 such service specific exercises with the Russian defence forces have been conducted since 2003. Exercise INDRA-2017 is the first Joint Tri-Services Exercise between Russia and India. This is also the first time that Russia has hosted a Tri-Services Exercise on its soil.

The theme of Exercise INDRA-2017 was ‘Preparation and Conduct of Operations by a Joint Force for Suppression of International Terror Activity at the request of a host country under UN mandate’.

More than 900 soldiers, sailors and air warriors from the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force participated in the exercise along with over 1000 personnel from the Russian Defence Forces. The exercise was conducted in the Sergeevsky Combined Arms Training Range, Cape Klerk Training Area and the waters of the Sea of Japan.

Army exercise tasks involved check point defence and humanitarian convoy escort in the back drop of threat from armed groups.Naval tasks comprised Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations besides Force Protection Measures, Joint Air Defence and Anti-mining Operations. The Air Forces of both countries, combined their air crews for Combat Air Patrols, Reconnaissance Missions, Formation Flying and Slithering operations utilising Russian fighters, transport aircraft and helicopters.

It was indeed a historic occasion for two of the world’s greatest Armed Forces to join hands and successfully conduct an exercise of this magnitude with professionalism, providing an opportunity for both defence forces to imbibe the best practices from each other and jointly evolve and practice drills to defeat the scourge of terror. The first ever Indo-Russia Joint Tri Services Exercise has been a combination of training and cross training in field conditions on land, sea and air, to achieve seamless integration. The validation of the exercise tasks is a testimony of the contingents of both countries having integrated and synergised seamlessly to achieve the laid down objectives. The exercise also provided an opportunity to all personnel for cultural exchange and for friendly sports competitions.

Exercise INDRA-2017 will surely be a benchmark for future exercises of this nature all across the world. The espirit de corps and goodwill generated during the exercise will facilitate further strengthening of bonds between the defence forces of India and Russia enabling them to understand each other’s organisations and the methodology of executing joint counter terrorist operations. It is even more satisfying that this milestone in Indo-Russia defence cooperation has been realised as we commemorate 70 years of Indo-Russian friendship.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC), Lt. Gen. Satish Dua addressing a press conference on the Joint Indo-Russia Tri-Services Exercise INDRA-2017, in New Delhi on November 01, 2017.

The Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC), Lt. Gen. Satish Dua and the Russia Ambassador to India, Mr. Nikolay Kudashev after a press briefing on the Joint Indo-Russia Tri-Services Exercise INDRA-2017, in New Delhi on November 01, 2017.

The Colonel Commandant and Director General of Army Aviation, Lt. Gen. Kanwal Kumar with other serving officers and veterans, on the occasion of Thirty Second Raising Day of Army Aviation Corps, at India Gate, New Delhi on November 01, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

A Russian delegation headed by the first Deputy Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation, Mr. Evgeny Ditrikh meeting the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari, in New Delhi on November 14, 2017.

The first Deputy Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation, Mr. Evgeny Ditrikh meeting the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari, in New Delhi on November 14, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
19-September, 2018 18:25 IST
Exercise Aviaindra-18 Commences at Lipetsk (Russia)

Exercise Aviaindra is an Air Force level exercise between India and the Russian Federation. First Aviaindra was conducted in 2014 and has been planned as a bi-annual exercise.

Exercise Aviaindra 18 is being conducted at Lipetsk, Russia from 17 Sep to 28 Sep 18 and will be conducted in Jodhpur, India from 10 Dec to 22 Dec 18. The Indian contingent for Ex Aviaindra departed for Russia on 15 Sep 18. The contingent comprises of 30 officers from different branches and streams of IAF including four women officers of Flying, Admin and Medical Branch. The aircraft that would participate in the exercise include Su-30 SM, Mig-29, Su-25, Mi-8 and An-26.

The aim of the exercise is focused towards anti-terrorist operations in a bi-lateral scenario. The exercise would further enhance the co-operation and understanding each other’s Concept of Operations. In addition to flying exercise, there would be formal interactions, discussions, exchange of ideas and friendly sports matches to enhance bonhomie between the two Air Forces.

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