First Russia, Then China, Now India

Russia, India to Hold Joint Air, Naval Wargames

http://www.mosnews.com/news/2005/09...ssiaundia.shtml

Created: 26.09.2005 15:46 MSK (GMT +3), Updated: 15:46 MSK document.write(get_ago(1127735188));



MosNews

An exercise involving the Russian and Indian navies and airborne troops will be held in the Indian Ocean in mid-October, Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov told the Russian president Monday.

"A large task force of the Pacific Fleet, consisting of five ships and one nuclear-powered submarine, has sailed for the Indian Ocean, and an exercise is due to be held there in mid-October jointly with the Indian armed forces and navy," Ivanov was quoted by Itar Tass as saying.

"Airborne troops will be flown there by that time to take part in the exercise jointly with Indian paratroopers," the minister added.

According to Ivanov, the ships will stay in the Indian Ocean until the new year and "will visit Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam".

The maneuvers will follow joint exercises held by Russia and China last month, which some analysts said appeared to be aimed at demonstrating the capabilities of Russian military equipment.

Earlier this month, India's naval chief, Admiral Arun Prakash, said his country was considering purchasing naval surveillance and anti-submarine airplanes from Russia. India's maritime surveillance fleet currently has three Il-38s and eight Tu-142s, AP added.