Article Posted on : - Nov 19, 2015

An Indian Army Officer explaing about Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to the Russian Contingent during the joint India-Russia Military Exercise at Mahajan Field Firing Range, Bikaner. A PTI Photo.

BIKANER, RAJASTHAN (PTI): The Indo-Russian military exercise 'INDRA-2015' culminated on Wednesday after nearly two weeks of joint training in counter-terrorism operations.

"After two weeks of 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," Defence Spokesperson Lt Col Manish Ojha said.

The ceremony was held in Mahajan Field Firing Ranges here.

In the joint tactical exercise which began on November 8, the two countries conducted focused training and strived to understand the functioning of each other, he said.

Inter-operability procedures were on the top agenda for both the armies.

The exercise also provided an opportunity to both the armies for greater cultural understanding, sharing experiences and strengthening mutual trust and co-operation, he said.

It was the seventh edition in a series of bilateral exercises under this banner. The joint exercise this year focused on 'Counter Terrorism Operations in Desert Terrain under a United Nations Mandate'.

A senior Russian Army official stressed on collective efforts at the international level for combating the global challenge of terrorism.

Collective efforts by all countries are required to face the challenge of terrorism and regular joint exercises like 'Indra' should be conducted which provides opportunities to learn from each other, the officer told reporters at the end of military exercise 'INDRA-2015'.