The Indian Navy and the Russian Navy carried out the 12th edition of their biennial maritime exercise INDRA NAVYin the Baltic Sea from 28 to 29 July, according to information provided by the Defence Ministry on Friday.

This exercise was undertaken as part of the visit of INS Tabar to St Petersburg, Russia to participate in the 325th Navy Day celebrations of the Russian Navy.

Initiated in 2003, Ex INDRA NAVY epitomises the long-term strategic relationship between the two navies. The exercise has matured over the years with increase in scope, complexity of operations and level of participation.

The Indian Navy was represented by the stealth Frigate INS Tabar whilst the Russian Federation Navy was represented by Corvettes RFS Zelyony Dol and RFS Odintsovo of the Baltic Fleet.

The exercise was progressed over two days and included various facets of fleet operations such as anti-air firings, underway replenishment drills, helicopter ops, boarding drills and seamanship evolutions.

Exercise INDRA NAVY-21, was conducted despite the constraints imposed by the pandemic, further strengthening mutual confidence, inter-operability and enabled sharing of best practices between both Navies. The exercise is another milestone in strengthening cooperation between the two navies and reinforce the long-standing bond of friendship between the two countries.