India and Russia have launched the six-day bilateral Indra naval exercise 2025 off Chennai, reinforcing their long-standing defence and strategic partnership. The exercise, which began on Friday, features Russian Pacific Fleet warships Pechanga, Rezkiy, and Aldar Tsydenzhapov alongside Indian Navy vessels INS Rana and INS Kuthar, supported by a P-8I maritime patrol aircraft. The drill is divided into two phases: a harbour phase from March 28 to 30 in Chennai, followed by a sea phase from March 31 to April 2 in the Bay of Bengal.
Since its inception in 2003, Indra has symbolized deep-rooted maritime cooperation between the two nations. “The exercise has evolved into a testament to our commitment to naval interoperability and operational synergy,” the Indian Navy stated.
Captain Aleksey Antsiferov, commander of the Russian Pacific Fleet’s warships, emphasized the strategic significance of the drills. “Indra Navy provides an opportunity to exchange expertise, enhance joint operations, and strengthen our ability to counter maritime threats together,” he said.
Both navies will engage in complex exercises during the sea phase, including joint manoeuvring, helicopter deck landings, and live-fire drills against sea and air targets.
#IndianNavy extends a warm welcome to Russian Naval ships Rezkiy, Aldar Tsydenzhapov & Pechenga on their arrival in Chennai!
These vessels from the #RussianNavy Pacific Fleet will join the #IndianNavy ships Rana & Kuthar for Ex-INDRA 25, a Bilateral Naval Exercise aimed at… pic.twitter.com/GeJif8Klbl
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) March 28, 2025
Over the past two decades, Indra has become a cornerstone of Russia-India naval collaboration, alternating between the two nations. The last edition was held in July 2024 in the Gulf of Finland.
These exercises aim to bolster maritime cooperation, enhance tactical coordination, and deepen diplomatic ties, underscoring the enduring partnership between India and Russia.
Team BharatShakti
