Russia, India to Hold Joint Naval Drills in Sea of Japan

18.11.2013 Russia and India agreed Monday to hold joint naval exercises next year in the Sea of Japan.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and his Indian counterpart, A.K. Antony, met in Moscow to discuss prospects of bilateral military collaboration. The sides signed a protocol on the development of defense ties, including closer cooperation between all branches of the armed forces.

Since 2003, India and Russia have conducted seven large exercises under the so-called Indra series of joint ground and naval drills. The last such exercise was held between Russian and Indian army units in October at India's Mahajan field firing range.

In 2011, Russia canceled joint naval drills with India in the Pacific Ocean, citing the tsunami and subsequent nuclear crisis in Japan.