Article Posted on : - Dec 09, 2015

Ships during the "Indra 2014" naval drill. Indian Navy photo

VISAKHAPATNAM (PTI): A top naval official on Tuesday said the ongoing exercise between India and Russia in the Bay of Bengal would help develop common understanding of procedures for maritime security operations between the two Navies.

Addressing a joint media conference on board INS Sahyadri at Visakhapatnam on Tuesday, Chief of Eastern Fleet, Eastern Naval Command Rear Admiral SV Bhokare and Deputy Commander of Pacific Fleet, Vice Admiral Ryabukhin Andrey, said the two countries commenced bilateral maritime exercises in 2003 and the 8th edition of 'Indra Navy' series commenced on Monday off the Visakhapatnam coast.

Bhokare said the bilateral naval exercise is aimed at increasing interoperability between the two Navies and developing common understanding of procedures for maritime security operations.

He said the scope of 'Indra Navy 15' includes wide-ranging professional interactions during the Harbour phase and a diverse canvas of operational activities at sea across a spectrum of maritime operations.

In the current exercise, Indian Navy is being represented by INS Sahyadri (an indigenous frigate), INS Ranvijay (a guided missile destroyer) and INS Shakti (a fleet support ship).

In addition, INS Sindhuvir submarine, the P8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft, Dornier short-range maritime patrol aircraft, Hawk advanced jet trainer and other integral rotary wing helicopters are also participating in the exercise.

The Russian Federation Navy (RFN) ships Varyag (cruiser), Bystry (destroyer), Alatau (rescue ocean going tug) and Boris Butoma (fleet tanker) are also taking part in the operation.

To a query regarding transfer of technology from Russia, the Rear Admiral said India was taking technology from Russia and some other countries as well.