India holds military exercises with Russian navy, US army

In a joint effort to bolster security ties, Russia and India are currently engaged in naval exercises in the Bay of Bengal.

Despite concerns from the United States regarding India’s collaboration with Russia amid Moscow’s offensive in Ukraine, the two nations aim to comprehensively develop and strengthen naval cooperation.

Moscow’s defense ministry emphasized that the purpose of these exercises is to enable the Russian and Indian navies to jointly counter global threats and ensure the safety of civilian shipping in the Asia-Pacific region.

The drills, scheduled to conclude on Wednesday, involve ships from Russia’s Pacific Fleet, notably the Admiral Tributs anti-submarine destroyer. India, navigating its economic and security interests in both Russia and the West, has strategically maintained a careful balance between the conflicting sides.

Despite refraining from sanctioning Moscow over the Ukraine offensive, India has benefitted from discounted Russian oil supplies.

Simultaneously, India and the United States launched a joint military exercise named “VAJRA PRAHAR” at Umroi in Meghalaya.

This three-week exercise, facilitated by the Indian Army and US Army Special Forces, aims to exchange best practices and experiences in joint mission planning and operational tactics.

Initiated in 2010, this 13th edition of the Indo-US Joint Special Forces exercise involves planning and rehearsing Special Operations, Counter Terrorist Operations, and Airborne operations in simulated conventional and unconventional scenarios in mountainous terrain.

Key highlights of “VAJRA PRAHAR” include combat free fall insertion of troops, water-borne insertion of troops, precision engagement of targets at long ranges, and combat air controlling of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft.

This exercise serves as a platform for the exchange of ideas, sharing best practices, enhancing interoperability, and strengthening defense cooperation between the armies of India and the United States.

(with inputs from agencies)