Where was the 14th edition of the India-Russia bilateral naval exercise INDRA-2025 conducted?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is: (D) Chennai

• The 14th edition of the India-Russia bilateral naval exercise INDRA-2025 was conducted off the coast of Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

• The exercise included both Harbour Phase and Sea Phase, with the harbour phase held at Chennai Port and the sea operations conducted in the Bay of Bengal.

• This bilateral naval engagement aimed to enhance interoperability, naval cooperation, and joint operational readiness between the two navies.

• INDRA is a joint military exercise held between India and Russia since 2003, involving all three services: Army, Navy, and Air Force.

• The 2025 edition focused on advanced naval drills including anti-submarine warfare, gunnery firing, and cross-deck helicopter operations.

• Indian Navy’s frontline ships like INS Delhi and INS Shakti, along with Russian Federation Navy vessels, participated.

• The drill also included Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations, and air defence exercises.

• This exercise underscores the strategic maritime partnership between India and Russia.

• Previous editions of INDRA have been held in locations such as Vladivostok (Russia) and Visakhapatnam (India).

• The 13th edition (2021) was held in the Baltic Sea.

• Chennai has emerged as a key port for hosting international naval exercises due to its strategic location and naval infrastructure.

• India regularly conducts multilateral naval exercises like Malabar, MILAN, and Varuna, in addition to bilateral drills like INDRA.