India and Russia Conduct 14th Edition of Maritime Bilateral Exercise – INDRA 2025

India and Russia are set to conduct the 14th edition of the bilateral naval exercise, INDRA 2025, from March 28 to April 2, 2025, off the coast of Chennai and in the Bay of Bengal. Since its inception in 2003, Exercise INDRA has been a symbol of the strategic partnership between the Indian Navy and Russian Navy, aimed at improving naval interoperability and operational coordination. The exercise will take place in two phases: the Harbour Phase (March 28-30) in Chennai and the Sea Phase (March 31-April 2) in the Bay of Bengal. It will involve advanced naval drills, live weapon firings, and cooperative engagements to strengthen maritime cooperation and security.

Key Highlights of INDRA 2025

1. Overview of INDRA 2025

• 14th edition of the India-Russia naval exercise.
• Scheduled from March 28 to April 2, 2025.
• Conducted off Chennai and in the Bay of Bengal.

2. Phases of the Exercise

Harbour Phase (March 28-30, 2025) – Chennai

• Opening ceremony and Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs).
• Reciprocal ship visits, sports events, and pre-sail briefings.

Sea Phase (March 31-April 2, 2025) – Bay of Bengal

• Tactical manoeuvres and live weapon firings.
• Anti-air operations and underway replenishment.
• Helicopter cross-deck landings and exchange of sea riders.

3. Participating Naval Assets

• Indian Navy: INS Rana, INS Kuthar, and P-8I maritime patrol aircraft.
• Russian Navy: RFS Pechanga, RFS Rezkiy, and RFS Aldar Tsydenzhapov.

4. Strategic Importance

• Enhances maritime cooperation and naval interoperability.
• Strengthens defence diplomacy and bilateral ties between India and Russia.
• Provides a platform for exchange of best operational practices.
• Demonstrates the commitment of both nations to regional security and stability.