Article Posted on : - Jun 01, 2011

A file photo.

NEW DELHI (PTI): The annual naval exercise between India and Russia took a hit last month after the Russian side cited engagement of their ships in rescue operations in the Tsunami-hit Japan.

"Russian Navy had deployed some of its warships for rescue efforts in Japan. They had already informed us that they will not able to pledge any warship for the exercise due to their engagement in Japan," Navy spokesperson Commander P V S Satish said.

He said that following the communication from Russian Navy, a decision was taken to dispatch the Indian warships only for a port call at the Russian port Vladivostok.

Excluding the sea phase, the two navies carried out all other joint drills, he added.

"For the three days there were exchange of officers from both the sides and we performed all the harbor drills together," the spokesperson said.

Three Indian warships INS Delhi, INS Ranvijay and INS Ranvir went to Russia last month to participate in the annual exercises there.

Indian Navy further denied lodging any complaint with the Russian Navy.

"We have a very old relationship with Russia. All other activities between the two navies are right on schedule," the officer said.