INDRA-2016 India-Russia joint military exercise

India-Russia joint drills INDRA-2016 took place in the Ussiriysk District in Vladivostok, Russia.

The exercises were held on September 23 - October 2.

Over 500 servicemen, 50 units of equipment, a group of UAVs, and assault and army aviation took part in the drills.

Troops of both countries got the chance to practice working with each other over the course of eleven days.

250 soldiers of the Kumaon Regiment represented the Indian Contingent.

The Russian Armed Forces were represented by 250 soldiers from the 59th Motorized Infantry Brigade.

Main focus of the drill was on counter-terrorism operations in semi-mountainous and jungle terrain under United Nations mandate.

Two mechanized infantry companies, a tank company, howitzer, self-propelled artillery and rocket batteries; a flamethrower squad took part in the drills.

Military personnel used Russia's Orlan-10 drone to strike simulated terrorist groups.

Russia and India have maintained a close partnership in military and technical cooperation for decades.

The exercises serve to facilitate cooperation and foster the exchange of relevant experience between the Indian and Russian armed forces.

Next INDRA joint drills to be held in 2017.