14th Edition Joint Naval “Exercise INDRA”, a substantial component of maritime cooperation between India and Russia has started off Chennai Coast on 28^th March 2025 and will continue till 2^nd April 2025. Exercise INDRA exemplifies the inter-operability & synergy between Indian Navy & Russian Navy. The drill will have 2 phases, first the Harbor Phase till 30th March 2025 & will proceed to Sea Phase 30^th March Onwards.

Exercise INDRA had begun back in 2003 and turned into a landmark collaboration between India and Russia who share a historical, time-tested ties navigating through multitude of geopolitical events.

Exercise INDRA will be conducted in 2 phases i.e. Harbor Phase & Sea Phase. The Harbor Phase will be held in Chennai from March 28 to 30, 2025, featuring an opening ceremony, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), mutual visits, and sports events. The Sea Phase, running from March 31 to April 2, 2025, in the Bay of Bengal, will emphasize advanced naval exercises.

Russian Naval Ships like Pechanga, Rezkiy, Aldar Tsydenzhapov will participate in the drill along with Indian Ships INS Rana and INS Kuthar Corvette. Indian Navy will also deploy P-8I Patrol Aircraft in the exercise. Involvement of such important naval assets & patrol aircrafts signifies the intricacies & strategic potency of Exercise INDRA.

Both the navies will jointly practice & hone their skills in tactical maneuvers, live fires and anti-aircraft operations. Exercise INDRA will continue to act as one more tool in strengthening the defense collaboration between India and Russia, while working as a platform to earn cross-functional operations, war like situational decision making & addressing common naval constraints.

Russian President Vladimir Putin may visit India in the near future to further facilitate a multitude of trade opportunities, defense deals, and political ties, according to reports. The successful completion of Exercise INDRA right before his visit will lay a foundation of trust and diplomatic fluency, helping both nations align their geopolitical interests and address shared challenges.

India is on the cusp of maritime modernization & urgency to enhance its patrolling and navigation capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region and maintain its dominance there. Exercise INDRA is another step in this direction, while Russia aims to use the exercise as a platform to refine its sea phase naval tactics, strengthen defense collaboration, and deepen diplomatic ties with India.