Article Posted on : - Oct 14, 2013

A file photo.

JODHPUR (PTI): Army troops of India and Russia will hold wargames codenamed 'Ex INDRA' in the deserts of Rajasthan starting from October 18 to enhance bilateral cooperation.

"Exercise INDRA 2013 is the latest in series of planned Indo-Russian joint military exercises involving mechanised forces, which is scheduled to be conducted at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges," defence spokesperson Colonel SD Goswami said.

The exercise will be held from October 18 to 28 under the aegis of Jaipur-based headquarters of South Western Command.

The event is aimed to improve defence cooperation between both armies and enhance their ability to operate as integrated forces in a well-coordinated manner at the tactical level, within the framework of UN peacekeeping operations, he said.

Mahajan Field Firing Range in South Western Command has been developed into a world class training node in the last three years and is being used extensively for carrying out joint exercises with friendly countries like Russia, USA, UK, France, Thailand and Kazakhstan.

The exercise will be conducted in semi-desert terrain conditions, with troops of Russian Army operating along with Indian troops of South Western Command in an exercise to support peacekeeping operations.