UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 06th April 2025

Home UPSC Current Affairs INDRA-2025: Strengthening India-Russia Naval Cooperation

INDRA-2025: Strengthening India-Russia Naval Cooperation

Why in News?

The 14th edition of the bilateral naval exercise INDRA-2025 was conducted between the Indian Navy and the Russian Navy from March 28 to April 2, 2025, off the coast of Chennai and in the Bay of Bengal. The exercise aimed to enhance interoperability and address common maritime security challenges.

Key Highlights

Participating Indian Naval Assets:
- INS Rana (D52): Rajput-class guided-missile destroyer.
- INS Kuthar (P46): Khukri-class corvette.
- P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft: Advanced aircraft for anti-submarine warfare and surveillance.
Participating Russian Naval Assets:
- RFS Aldar Tsydenzhapov: Steregushchiy-class corvette.
- RFS Rezkiy: Steregushchiy-class corvette.
- RFS Pechanga: Fleet tanker.
Phases of the Exercise:
- Harbour Phase (March 28-30): Held in Chennai, featuring opening ceremonies, subject matter expert exchanges (SMEEs), reciprocal ship visits, sports events, and pre-sail briefings.
- Sea Phase (March 31-April 2): Conducted in the Bay of Bengal, involving advanced naval drills such as tactical maneuvers, live weapon firings, anti-air operations, underway replenishment, helicopter cross-deck landings, and exchange of sea riders.
Achievements:
- Enhanced interoperability through complex coordinated maneuvers and simulated engagements.
- Strengthened joint operational readiness to address contemporary maritime security challenges.
- Facilitated the exchange of best practices and operational doctrines,
- fostering a deeper mutual understanding.

History of the INDRA Exercise

Inception: Initiated in 2003, the INDRA series epitomizes the long-term strategic relationship between India and Russia, aiming to boost cooperation and interoperability between their navies.
Evolution:
- Initially focused on basic naval drills, the exercises have progressively incorporated complex operations, including anti-submarine warfare, air defense drills, live firing exercises, and counter-piracy missions.
- The scope has expanded to include tri-service engagements, reflecting the deepening defense ties between the two nations.
Notable Past Exercises:
- INDRA-2016: Held in the Bay of Bengal, focusing on increasing interoperability and developing common procedures for maritime security operations.
- INDRA-2018: Conducted off the coast of Visakhapatnam, featuring joint anti-piracy operations and cross-deck helicopter landings.

Other India–Russia Defence Exercises

India and Russia conduct a range of bilateral and multilateral defence exercises involving all three branches of their armed forces, reflecting the strategic depth and operational synergy of the partnership.

AVIAINDRA (since 2014)

Type: Bilateral Air Force exercise.
Objective: Enhance coordination in aerial tactics, joint operations, and training missions.
Format: Conducted alternately in India and Russia.
Includes: Fighter jet training (Su-30 MKI, MiG series), aerial refuelling, and airbase operations.

EXERCISE VOSTOK (Multilateral)

Type: Russia-led large-scale strategic command-post exercise.
India’s Role: Participated in 2022 alongside countries like China, Mongolia, Belarus.
Significance: Showcases India’s strategic independence by participating in drills alongside China and others despite tensions.

ZAPAD, TSENTR, and KAVKAZ (Strategic Exercises)

India has been invited to observe or participate in various Russia-led multilateral military exercises under different regional groupings.
These exercises test large-scale mobilisation, joint commands, and hybrid warfare strategies.

SCO Peace Mission (Multilateral, Biannual)

Though not exclusively bilateral, both India and Russia participate as key SCO members.
Focuses on counter-terrorism, urban warfare, and intelligence coordination.

Geopolitical Significance

Strategic Partnership: INDRA-2025 reaffirms the robust defense cooperation between India and Russia, showcasing their commitment to collaborative maritime security.
Regional Stability: The exercise underscores both nations’ dedication to upholding maritime order and promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Counterbalance Dynamics: By engaging in such joint exercises, India and Russia demonstrate a balanced approach to their respective regional policies, navigating complex geopolitical landscapes.