New Delhi, Dec 4 (UNI) The Indian Navy and Russian Navy undertook a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) in the eastern Indian Ocean Region (IOR) from December 4.

The exercise would conclude on Saturday.

The exercise involves participation of RuFN guided missile cruiser Varyag, large anti-submarine ship Admiral Panteleyev and medium ocean tanker Pechenga.

Indian Navy is being represented by indigenously constructed guided missile frigate Shivalik and anti-submarine corvette Kadmatt alongwith integral helicopters.

The exercise is aimed at enhancing interoperability, improving understanding and imbibing best practices between both the friendly navies, and would involve advanced surface and anti-submarine warfare exercises, weapon firings, seamanship exercises and helicopter operations, Indian Navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said.

PASSEXs are conducted regularly by Indian Navy with units of friendly foreign navies, whilst visiting each other’s ports or during a rendezvous at sea.

This exercise, being conducted in the Eastern Indian Ocean Region, reflects the strong long-term strategic relationship between the two countries and particularly, defence cooperation in the maritime domain.

This exercise is being conducted on the occasion of ‘Navy Day’ of the Indian Navy on December 4, which emphasizes the strong bonds of friendship shared between the two friendly militaries.

This PASSEX would be another step towards strengthening Indo-Russian defence relations.

The two navies have built a robust relationship through regular exercises such as INDRA Navy conducted biennially, with the last edition held in the Northern Indian Ocean Region from September 4-5.

UNI ASH JAL 2040