Joint Indo - Russian Ex INDRA-2013

Exercise INDRA 2013 took place in late 2013 at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, in South Western Command, with an impressive opening ceremony that saw the unfurling of the National Flags of both Countries to the strains of “Jana Gana Mana …” and “Russia Sviashennaia Nasha Derzhava …” Indian and Russian soldiers stood side by side, with their tanks and infantry combat vehicles in the background and gave a ceremonial salute. Brigadier VM Chandran welcomed the Russian soldiers, and in his inaugural remarks highlighted the “historic legacy of shared beliefs, related to democracy, freedom, equality and justice that were precious to both Nations, as also the progressive defence cooperation and mutual understanding between both the Armed Forces.”

A Combat Group strength of Russian Army personnel and an equal complement of Indian soldiers from South Western Command took part in the two week long event, that witnessed integration of their tactical and technical skills in a UN peace enforcement scenario involving mechanised forces. State of the art equipment for surveillance and target acquisition specialist weapons for close quarter battle, explosive and IED detectors, as well as the latest communications equipment was fielded for the Exercise.