Russian defense ministry denies its involvement in breaking up of Russian-Indian exercise INDRA-2011, told a high-ranking military official to Central Navy Portal during private conversation.
Although the ministry declined to give official comments, the interviewee told to the Central Navy Portal reporter in the private talk that Russian party is not in blame for cancellation of the INDRA-2011 exercise. However, the source added that "there were certain difficulties" between Russia and India while negotiating on the exercise dates.
Earlier on, the information emerged in Russian media referring to Chinese and Indian press that Russian-Indian exercise INDRA-2011 had been canceled due to the Russian party's fault. In particular, the main source was an article in Indian newspaper India Today. According to Chinese sources, the reason for canceled exercise was allegedly Russia's losing in Indian tender for naval aircrafts.
Recall that large-size task unit of Indian ships visited Vladivostok in Apr 18-22, although none joint maneuvers were held then. The visit of Indian warships did not go beyond standard activities – attending memorial and historical sites, exchange of delegations, and sport games between the crews.