VISAKHAPATNAM: The Russian Navy is likely to host joint exercises with its Indian counterpart. The former has sent a proposal to its headquarters proposing the joint exercise and it would be discussed by the Defence Ministers of the two countries.

This was disclosed by Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific Fleet, Vice-Admiral Sergey V Avramenko, at a joint press conference with Rear Admiral Sanjeev Bhasin, the Flag Officer Commanding of the Eastern Fleet after the conclusion of the three-day Indo-Russian naval exercise, "INDRA 05'' off Visakhapatnam. INDRA 03 was also hosted by India. Russia is also in favour of annual joint exercises.

Rear Admiral Bhasin said the exercises which concluded with a tactical phase and simulated missile firing were very satisfactory. Eight ships, three of which were Indian, participated.

Both sides benefit

Stating that it was a beneficial exercise to both the Navies, Rear Admiral Bhasin, however, felt for the visitors it would be a better experience because of different hydrology and range of radar etc.

The Indians could study the Russain radars and missiles and the other Navy could see "our equipment and it's a give and take,'' he said on the benefits of the joint exercise.

Commenting on INS Mumbai, the Flag Ship of the Eastern Command built at the Mazagon Docks, Vice-Admiral Avramenko said it was built well and had excellent characterstics. He did not consider language a barrier if the Russians had to operate in an emergency situation with the Indian Navy.

All over the world digital communication was being used in such situations. The Deputy Chief of Russian Naval Staff Vladimir Pepelyaev was all praise for the excellent intergation of the weapons and radar system in INS Mumbai.

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