Delhi: The Indian Navy (IN) is undertaking a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with Russian Federation Navy (RuFN) in the Eastern Indian Ocean Region (IOR) from 04 to 05 December 2020.
The exercise involves participation of RuFN guided missile cruiser _Varyag_, large anti-submarine ship _Admiral Panteleyev_ and medium ocean tanker _Pechenga_. _IN_ 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.
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PASSEXs are conducted regularly by _IN_ 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 _IN_ on 4th December, 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 4 to 5 September 2020.
