The Indian and Russian navies have concluded the bilateral exercise INDRA 2026, with Indian Navy warship INS Sahyadri departing Vladivostok on October 20 after a series of harbour and sea-phase engagements aimed at strengthening operational coordination and interoperability.
The harbour phase featured interactions between senior naval officers, cross-deck visits, professional exchanges, operational coordination activities and cultural and sporting events. Subject Matter Expert Exchanges provided an opportunity for personnel from both navies to share operational practices and professional perspectives.
The subsequent sea phase involved coordinated manoeuvring, integrated communications, helicopter operations and medical evacuation drills. The exercises enabled participating units to practise joint procedures at sea and improve coordination in conducting maritime operations.
Sports and cultural exchanges complemented the professional engagements, helping build familiarity and camaraderie between personnel of the Indian Navy and the Russian Federation Navy.
The conclusion of INDRA 2026 reaffirmed the longstanding defence and maritime partnership between India and Russia. The exercise highlighted the importance of sustained naval engagement in building mutual understanding, strengthening interoperability and supporting a stable and secure maritime environment.
Team BharatShakti
