The main aim of the 10th edition of the bi-lateral joint maritime exercise INDRA NAVY 18 between Indian Navy and Russian Federation Navy was to increase inter-operability amongst the two navies, develop common understanding and procedures for maritime security operations.

During his visit to the Russian Federation during November 2018, Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief of the Naval Staff had focussed on consolidating time tested bilateral defence relations between the two countries and to explore new avenues for defence cooperation.

Recently concluded bilateral maritime exercise INDRA NAVY 18 has substantially contributed towards strengthening mutual confidence, inter-operability, as also enabled sharing of best practices between the two navies. Maritime exercise INDRA NAVY 18 has achieved yet another milestone in strengthening maritime security cooperation between the two navies and served to reinforce the long standing bond of friendship between India and Russian Federation.

INDRA NAVY 18 was conducted from December 9 to 16, 2018, in the Bay of Bengal. Russian Federation Navy (RuFN) Ships Varyag, Admiral Panteleyev and Boris Butoma participated in INDRA NAVY 18. The Indian Navy was represented by INS Ranvir, a Guided Missile Destroyer, INS Satpura, an indigenous Guided Missile Frigate, INS Kadmatt, an indigenous Anti- Submarine Warfare Corvette, Indian Navy Ships Kuthar and Khanjar both indigenous Guided Missile Corvettes and INS Jyoti, a fleet tanker. In addition, one Sindhughosh class submarine, Dornier maritime patrol aircraft, Hawk fighter aircraft and other integral rotary wing helicopters participated in the exercise.

The Indian Navy’s participating Task Force was under the Command of Rear Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Fleet. Ships of the Russian Federation Navy (RuFN) were under the Command of Rear Admiral Mikhailov Edward Evgenievich, Chief of the Headquarters, Submarine Forces, Pacific Fleet and ships from the Pacific Fleet, all based at Vladivostok.

INDRA NAVY series of bilateral maritime exercises which commenced during 2003 have evolved and flourished in its contents, scope, complexity and level of participation, substantially. INDRA NAVY 18 was held in two phases. The Harbour Phase was held at Visakhapatnam from December 9 to 12, 2018, and comprised planning conferences, professional interactions, cultural visits, sports fixtures and formal calls between Flag Officers and Senior Officers of participating navies. The Sea Phase was conducted in the Bay of Bengal from December 13 to 16, 2018. The main thrust of exercises during Sea Phase was on Anti Submarine Warfare, Air Defence drills, Surface Firings, Visit Board Search and Seizure operations and tactical procedures.