Russia, India to Conduct Joint Navy Exercise

In May the Russian and Indian Navies will conduct joint exercises in the Indian Ocean, the Russian Defence Ministry reported. This decision has been taken by the two countries' defence ministries.

The Russian side intends to engage 9 vessels from the Pacific and Black Sea Fleets in the exercise. In the near future they will complete preparations and put out to sea.

The exercises are connected with the events in the Persian Gulf and the military operation in Iraq, the ministry's press service emphasized. The joint Russian-Indian exercises are expected "to play an important part in strengthening cooperation, trust and mutual understanding between the two naval powers and in enhancing stability" in the Indian Ocean region.