An Indian Navy officer (R) exchanges notes of Exercise INDRA with a Russian naval officer in Chennai, on March 28, 2025. (Photo: Indian Navy)
New Delhi: The 14th edition of the India-Russia bilateral naval drills, Exercise INDRA, started in the Bay of Bengal off the Chennai coast on Friday. The weeklong exercise will culminate on April 2.
Since its inception in 2003, INDRA – a portmanteau of “India” and “Russia” – has symbolized the enduring strategic relationship between the two navies. The exercise has evolved into a cornerstone of maritime cooperation, demonstrating both nations’ dedication to enhancing naval interoperability and operational effectiveness.
According to an Indian Navy statement, the exercise is being conducted in two phases – the “harbour phase” from March 28 to March 30, 2025 at Chennai, followed by the “sea phase” from March 31 to April 2, 2025 in the Bay of Bengal.
Russian Federation Naval Ships Pechanga, Rezkiy, and Aldar Tsydenzhapov will participate alongside Indian Naval Ships Rana, Kuthar, and a P-8I maritime patrol aircraft.
#IndianNavy extends a warm welcome to Russian Naval ships Rezkiy, Aldar Tsydenzhapov & Pechenga on their arrival in Chennai!
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) March 28, 2025
These vessels from the #RussianNavy Pacific Fleet will join the #IndianNavy ships Rana & Kuthar for Ex-INDRA 25, a Bilateral Naval Exercise aimed at… pic.twitter.com/GeJif8Klbl
The harbour phase includes an opening ceremony, subject-matter expert exchanges (SMEEs), reciprocal visits, sporting events, and pre-sail briefings between personnel from both navies. The sea phase will feature advanced naval drills, including tactical manoeuvres, live weapon firings, anti-air operations, underway replenishment, helicopter cross-deck landings and exchange of sea-riders.
These exercises and interactions aim to enhance maritime cooperation, strengthen friendship bonds, exchange best operational practices and bolster diplomatic ties between India and Russia, reinforcing the special and privileged strategic partnership between the two nations.
