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Wednesday, Aug 29, 2007
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Army to hold exercises in Russia

Special Correspondent

Efficacy of equipment to be calibrated

First joint exercise was held in India last year
Both sides to field special forces soldiers

NEW DELHI: The Army will hold joint exercises in Russia for the first time from September 15 to 19. This is part of a reciprocal arrangement to promote better ties between the two armies.

The first such exercise was held in India last year.

During the exercises, outgoing Chief of the Army Staff Gen. J. J. Singh and other top brass will hold talks with senior Russian army officials.

High-level exchanges

There has been a spate of high-level exchanges of officials in the run-up to the apex level defence cooperation meeting in October and a summit meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh by the year end.

Defence purchases from Russia have been an issue of concern here, as most contracts have been beset by delays and cost escalation.

However, it is unlikely for the Indian Army delegation to hold talks on the issue, as there had been no cost escalation for the assembling of T-90 tanks and other equipment sourced from Russia.

The exercises will comprise paratroopers jumping from planes to conduct swift seek and destroy operations in the Peskov region.

Both sides will field their special forces men for the purpose.

The previous exercise, called the “Indra series,” had a similar profile.

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