Russian naval squadron to take part in second phase of Russian-Indian naval exercise soon

Russian naval squadron is to arrive in the Bay of Bengal today, subsequently taking part in the second stage of the Russian-Indian naval exercise there. The first phase was organized in the Arabian Sea.

According to a Russian military source, Russian crews will be given a hot welcome, after their ships cast anchor at the Vishakhapatnam sea-port (Andhra-Pradesh state). Among other things, the Salute of Nations will be given, with the chief of India's eastern naval command paying a reciprocal visit to Russian warships. Russian sailors will admire local sights, visiting the city's naval museum and taking part in sports competitions, as well. Moreover, Russian and Indian crews will have lunch together.

The Russian squadron comprises the Moscow cruiser, the Admiral Panteleev and Admiral Shaposhnikov capital ASW (Anti-Submarine Warfare) ships and the Vladimir Kolechitsky tanker of the Pacific fleet.

India will commit its eastern fleet's warships, including guided-missiles frigates and destroyers, during the exercise's second phase. The ships will accomplish various objectives similar to those, which were accomplished in the Arabian Sea. Joint maneuvers will take place, with both sides conducting simulated air-defense operations and shooting their guns at naval and aerial targets alike. Moreover, plans are in place to fight "enemy" submarines and to conduct simulated search-and-rescue operations.