Russia, India start joint anti-terrorism drills

Russia and India will hold on Tuesday an official opening of joint INDRA-2012 anti-terrorism military exercises in the Siberian republic of Buryatia, a spokesman for Russia's Eastern Military District said. Lt. Col. Igor Muginov said that an official opening of the INDRA-2012 will be held on August 7 at the Burduny training range, according to the Russian (RIA Novosti) News Agency. Some 500 servicemen – about 250 on each side – will take part in the drills, which will be conducted using some 50 Russian combat vehicles. Russia will be represented by a motorized infantry and a tank companies, a mortar and a MLRS battalions, and a grenade launcher platoon. The participants of the exercises will carry out a number of firing, tactical and driving drills until August 12. The active phase of the exercises will begin on August 13 and include reconnaissance, pursuit and elimination of "terrorist groups." Russia and India have conducted five INDRA-series joint ground and naval exercises since 2003. The last such exercise was held in India in October 2010. Russia cancelled both INDRA-series ground and naval exercises last year despite an earlier announcement by the Russian General Staff that INDRA drills may be held every year and involve three branches of the armed forces.