Indian Ocean drill unites Russian and Bangladeshi navies in show of partnership

The Russian Pacific Fleet and the Bangladesh Navy conducted joint naval exercises in the Indian Ocean this week, reinforcing military cooperation between the two nations and honouring a legacy of Soviet-era assistance.

According to the Russian Navy’s Pacific Fleet press office, quoted by Russian media, the PASSEX-type drills took place following a port call in Chattogram (formerly Chittagong) and featured tactical training, coordination exercises, and real-time replenishment at sea, Caliber.Az reports.

“During their visit to this friendly country, both sides agreed to carry out a joint naval exercise,” the fleet’s statement read.

The drills included communication training, joint manoeuvring, and nighttime command coordination under radio silence, using only signal lights for communication. Sailors also practised resupplying fuel and freshwater at sea, using the Russian fleet's medium sea tanker Pechenga.

Russia’s participating vessels included the Steregushchiy-class corvettes Rezkiy and Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov, alongside the support tanker Pechenga. From Bangladesh, the BNS Umar Farooq (a Chinese-built Type 053H3 frigate), BNS Prottoy (a Shadhinata-class corvette), and BNS Durjoy (a Durjoy-class large patrol craft) took part.

The joint exercise capped off a port visit in Chattogram, where Russian crews also attended commemorative events recognising Soviet naval assistance in the early 1970s. From 1972 to 1974, Soviet Navy personnel helped demine and reopen Chattogram Port following the Bangladesh Liberation War, a gesture remembered by both nations as a symbol of enduring cooperation.

The Russian Pacific Fleet stated that the ships have now resumed their long-range deployment mission.

By Tamilla Hasanova