India and Russia have launched the 15-day ‘Indra 2025’ joint military exercises in the desert state of Rajasthan, with around 250 Russian troops joining their Indian counterparts, the Russian Embassy in New Delhi said.
“The joint exercises confirm the nature of the special, privileged strategic partnership between Moscow and New Delhi,” the embassy said in a statement.
The drills are taking place near the city of Bikaner, simulating combat in desert conditions. The Indra series of exercises has been a long-standing feature of India-Russia defence cooperation, organised roughly every two years with both countries alternating as hosts. The previous edition was conducted in 2021-2022.
India and Russia have carried out several joint land, air and naval exercises under formats such as Indra, Avia Indra and Indra Navy.
The Indian Defence Ministry said the exercises have provided important platforms for sharing best practices, strengthening joint operational tactics, and enhancing mutual understanding between the two militaries.
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In April, the Indra Navy 2025 exercises were held in the Bay of Bengal. They featured communication training, formation manoeuvres, and live artillery firing against air and sea targets.
Officials from both countries have stressed that the joint exercises are not directed at any third country and are unrelated to current global tensions.
Defence officials from India and Russia also hold annual meetings, alternating between Moscow and New Delhi, to review projects and discuss wider areas of cooperation.
Military-technical ties between the two countries have expanded from a buyer-seller framework to joint research, development and production of advanced weapons systems.
Key projects include the co-development of the BrahMos cruise missile, licensed production of fighter jets and T-90 tanks, and the manufacturing of AK-203 rifles in India under the ‘Make in India’ programme.
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