Date:13/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/13/stories/2009011355681100.htm

National

India-Russia naval exercise by month-end

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Six Russian warships, including a nuclear-powered missile cruiser, will take part in a joint naval exercise with the Indian Navy in the Arabian Sea by this month end.

Called “INDRA,” the exercise is part of the biennial India-Russian Naval exercises programme. It is aimed at boosting cooperation between the two navies in maritime law, anti-piracy operations, counter-terrorism and drug smuggling.

The first exercise was held in 2003, and according to Russian news agency RIA Novosti, the current exercise will involve a number of live-fire drill. According to information available here, the exercise will be held between January 26 and 31.