Joint maritime drills: Russia and India showcase naval prowess in Bay of Bengal

The Russian Navy and Indian Navy wrapped up their successful joint exercise, "Indra Navy 2025," in the Bay of Bengal, showcasing their tactical prowess and close military cooperation.

Over the span of three days, the sailors from both nations worked together on a series of high-stakes drills, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

These included tactical maneuvers in joint formations, enhancing their skills in countering unmanned aerial vehicles and unmanned boats of a simulated enemy. Additionally, they conducted live artillery firing at both sea and air targets, strengthening their combat readiness.

From the Russian side, the exercise saw the participation of the Pacific Fleet’s corvettes "Rezky", "Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov", and the medium sea tanker "Pechenga". India contributed with the destroyer "Rana" and the corvette "Kutar".

The two navies also practiced vital operations such as convoying ships and replenishing supplies at sea. The "Pechenga" tanker played a crucial role in the underway replenishment operation, ensuring that the fleets maintained their operational momentum.

Adding another layer of complexity to the exercise, deck helicopters from both nations' naval air forces were deployed. The Russian Ka-27M helicopter successfully landed on the Indian destroyer "Rana", while the Indian "Chetak" helicopter made a smooth landing on the Russian corvette’s deck.

With the drills now complete, the ships have returned to the Indian port of Chennai for a debriefing and an official closing ceremony, marking the successful conclusion of this high-profile naval exercise.

By Tamilla Hasanova