INDRA 2026 Naval Exercise: INS Sahyadri reached Vladivostok, Russia, on October 10, 2026, to join the naval exercise INDRA 2026. The exercise will take place from October 13 to 18, bringing the Indian and Russian navies together for joint maritime activities.
The exercise aims to help both navies work better together at sea. It will also give naval personnel from both countries a chance to share their knowledge and strengthen defence ties.
INDRA 2026 to Have Harbour and Sea Phases
Exercise INDRA 2026 will take place in two phases. It will begin with activities at the harbour before moving to coordinated operations at sea. The opening ceremony is scheduled for October 13, with coastal and sea activities planned in the Sea of Japan.
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Both navies will take part in professional discussions and maritime activities to improve their understanding of each other’s operations. Social and cultural programmes are also planned to help personnel from India and Russia build closer ties.
INS Sahyadri Deployment Supports India’s MAHASAGAR Vision
INS Sahyadri’s participation is also linked to India’s MAHASAGAR vision, which stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
The deployment comes as India and Russia continue to strengthen their long-standing defence relationship. It also follows the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, held on December 4 and 5, 2025.
India and Russia Discuss Defence Cooperation in New Delhi
The naval exercise comes days after Indian and Russian officials held discussions on their wider defence partnership in New Delhi.
On October 8, 2026, the first session of the 24th Working Group meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation and Defence Industry took place. The meeting reviewed ongoing military-technical cooperation and discussed possible projects involving co-production and co-development.
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India was represented by Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production), while Russia’s delegation was led by Andrey A. Boytsov, First Deputy Director of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation. Senior officials from both countries also attended the meeting.
The discussions focused on existing defence projects and ways to expand cooperation between the two countries.
Earlier, a six-member Russian Navy delegation visited the Southern Naval Command and the Indian Naval Academy in Kerala from September 27 to October 1, 2026. The delegation was led by Captain 1st Rank Sergei V. Saitov.
