Indo-Russia drill ends on a high note

JAISALMER: While the world is still trying to get over the shock of Paris attack, in India, Indra 2015, the anti-terror military exercise between Indian and Russian armies validated the concept of joint operation under the auspices of United Nations to assist the government of a third country in combating armed terrorists in desert terrain.
The exercise culminated on Wednesday.Defence spokesman Manish Ojha said, "joint Indo-Russian military exercise Indra-2015 has been completed in Mahajan Field Firing Range of Rajasthan on November 18. The final stage of the exercise was held at the Mahajan training range during which the consolidated group of forces of the two countries, acting under the auspices of United Nations, assisted the government of a third country in combating armed terrorists in a semi-urban terrain. During the conduct of the joint exercise, it was noted that while our challenges are similar, there is great commonality in our approach and views to deal with such challenges".
After two weeks of intense and exacting military training, the exercise finally concluded with a closing ceremony, wherein both the contingents showcased their talents with unique traditional touches. The ceremony was preceded by demonstration of house clearing drill by airdropping of troops.
The validation exercise was set in a semi-urban area of Chidasar village. The joint operation involved induction of troops by paradrop and helidrop and use of modern technology like drones to gather real time information which is vital for the success of fast-paced operations.
Indra-2015, the Indo-Russian joint tactical exercise, began on November 8. The two countries' contingents conducted focused training and strived to understand the functioning of each other. Inter-operability procedures were the top agenda for both armies. The exercise also provided a unique opportunity to both the armies for greater cultural understanding, sharing experiences and strengthening mutual trust and co-operation. The drill was a part of regular joint exercises between the armed forces of India and Russia.