Newsroom24x7 Staff

Vladivostok (Russia): After eleven days of intense training in counter-terrorism operations, the joint Indo-Russian military exercise ‘INDRA-2016’ today ended at the 249th Combined Armed Range, Sergieviesky in the Ussiriysk District of the Primosski krai Province in Russia.

Addressing the concluding parade, Brigadier Sukrit Chadah expressed great satisfaction with the high standards achieved during the joint training exercise. The contingent was also addressed by Maj Gen Andrei Ivanovich Sichevoe, COS of the 5th Army of Russia. Fifteen personnel from each side were awarded medals of excellence for their outstanding performance during the exercise. Closing ceremony was also attended by the Vice Governor of the Primosski krai Province and members of the district administration.

Eighth in the series of bilateral exercises under this banner, the joint exercise this year focused on counter insurgency and counter terrorist operations under UN mandate in semi mountainous and jungle terrain. The exercise also provided an opportunity to both the armies for greater cultural understanding, sharing of experiences and strengthening mutual trust and co-operation.

Participants from both the Armies expressed immense satisfaction regarding the standards achieved in the validation phase of the training. the Validation Exercise which was spread over three days included Securing of Assembly Area, Axis Clearance, Occupation of Blocking Position, Isolation and finally neutralization of a group of terrorists. The Indian Army contingent will leave for India on 3 October.

Russian-Pakistani tactic exercise

Coinciding with Indra-2016, the Russian troops also have been engaged in Friendship-2016, a Russian-Pakistani tactic exercise in Pakistan at the Rattu military bases that include the military mountain training school, and a training center of the special units in Cherat. This exercise began on September 24 and will continue till October 10.

This is the first exercise held by the Russian Armed Forces jointly with the Armed Forces of Pakistan. More than 200 military servicemen from both sides are involved in the exercise.

According to the Russian Defence Ministry, about 70 military servicemen of the Southern MD mountain motorized rifle brigade, which is located in Karachay-Cherkessia, are taking part in the exercise, which includes assigned tasks in mountains, “including those aimed at eliminating illegal armed groups”.