The military of the two countries shared with each other their unique experience of conducting operations in extreme conditions.
The joint Russian-Indian exercises Indra-2025, which took place from October 6 to October 15, ended at the Mahajan training ground in India. Their key goal was to improve the tactics of counter-terrorism operations and combat coordination. The servicemen worked out the liberation of the captured settlement and civilians, and also exchanged unique combat practices in modern conflicts, including the use of drones and electronic warfare. According to experts, the exercises are of great importance because they allow India and Russia to share invaluable experience in fighting in various conditions. Moreover, these maneuvers serve as a symbol of the independent foreign policy of the two powers against the background of geopolitical pressure.
The purpose of the joint exercises between Russia and India
The main objective of the maneuvers was to increase the operational compatibility of Russian and Indian units in the fight against international terrorism and to develop tactics for conducting counterterrorism operations. According to legend, armed gangs of terrorists seized the settlement, and its inhabitants were taken hostage, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
Photo: Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
Image source: iz.ru
Special forces from the two countries moved in to liberate civilians and destroy the militants. The area was promptly blocked to prevent the enemy from fleeing. Separate sabotage and reconnaissance groups (DRGs) of the imaginary enemy were eliminated on the spot.
The main stage of the maneuvers took place at the Mahajan training ground. The Russian military department noted that the military personnel of the two countries exchanged the best practices of conducting military operations in modern conditions. When developing counteraction to the DRG, special attention was paid to the use of drones for reconnaissance and strikes. In addition, electronic warfare was actively used to suppress unmanned vehicles.
Photo: Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
Image source: iz.ru
Additionally, logistical support tasks were completed, including the delivery of ammunition to the combat mission area. In addition, the military practiced first aid to the injured and their evacuation in light vehicles.
A symbol of an independent foreign policy
The regular conduct of the Indra exercises in the current military and political situation has a significant and symbolic character, said Admiral Sergey Avakyants, ex-commander of the Pacific Fleet.
— Holding such exercises is a symbol of India's independent foreign policy. It is a power that has an independent vision of global development. It is very important that these exercises take place against the background of statements that the BRICS is allegedly falling apart. Both countries, the founding countries of the BRICS, are demonstrating an absolutely independent and independent course against the background of pressure from the United States," he said.
Major General Sanjaya Chandra Kandpala, Commander of the Gandiv Division, and Major General Andrey Kozlov, head of the exercises from the Russian side, at the grand opening of the Indra-2025 Russian-Indian exercises at the Mahajan training ground in the Indian state of Rajasthan.
Image source: Photo: Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
The expert added that the traditional exercises, which are held regularly, now serve as a clear signal that "neither side will succumb to pressure and will pursue an independent policy."
Russia has unique experience from the special military operation zone, which we regularly share with our allies, and India has extensive experience in combat operations in mountainous, desert areas, as well as in the jungle, military expert Yuri Lyamin told Izvestia.
— India has quite a lot of experience in conducting various counter-terrorism operations and armed clashes. For example, it had a border conflict with China over an unresolved territorial dispute over the Aksaychin region at altitudes of 4-5 thousand meters. Or major armed conflicts with Pakistan in the highlands in the late 90s over Kashmir," he recalled. — India's experience includes not only conducting combat, but also organizing search and rescue operations in difficult conditions. Given the diverse climate of the country — from deserts and jungles to mountains — it is also useful for our servicemen to familiarize themselves with the specifics of the organization of service and life in these places.
Photo: Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
Image source: iz.ru
According to the expert, a high level of terrorist threats remains in this region, in particular from the militants of the banned organization "Islamic State" (IS, recognized as extremist and banned in the Russian Federation). This is evidenced by numerous, sometimes very bloody terrorist attacks. He also noted that the army often has to be involved in counter-terrorism operations, since the militants are well armed.
Active cooperation through the Navy
Izvestia previously reported that the Indra Navy - 2025 Russian-Indian naval maneuvers took place in April. The main focus on them was on countering modern threats — unmanned boats and unmanned aerial vehicles. The sailors practiced fighting them both day and night.
Ships of the Russian Navy and the Indian Navy on artillery firing as part of the Indra Navy-2025 naval exercise, April 4
Image source: Photo: Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
On the Russian side, a detachment of ships of the Pacific Fleet participated in the maneuvers: the corvettes Sharp and Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov, as well as the medium sea tanker Pechenga. The Indian Navy was represented by the destroyer Rana and the corvette Kutar. Deck-based helicopters of naval aviation were involved in the training. The Russian Ka-27M landed on an Indian destroyer, and the Indian Chetak landed on the deck of a Russian corvette, which became part of the development of cooperation.
Julia Leonova
