India and Russia discussed strengthening bilateral defence ties, expanding military exchanges and enhancing cooperation during senior military talks. Meanwhile, INS Sahyadri participated in INDRA 2026 in Vladivostok, where Indian and Russian naval forces engaged in professional interactions and maritime coordination.
India and Russia have discussed strengthening bilateral military relations, expanding professional exchanges and exploring new avenues for defence cooperation as the two countries continue to reinforce their longstanding strategic partnership. The discussions took place alongside naval engagements in Russia’s Vladivostok, where Indian Navy warship INS Sahyadri is participating in the bilateral naval exercise INDRA 2026.
The military discussions were held on Wednesday between Lieutenant General Igor Anatolyevich Seritsky, Acting Commander of the Moscow Military District of the Russian Armed Forces, and Lieutenant General Mohit Malhotra, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Army’s Sapta Shakti Command.
According to a statement shared by the Indian Army’s Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) on X, the interaction focused on deepening bilateral military ties, enhancing professional exchanges and identifying opportunities for greater collaboration in areas of mutual interest.
The engagement reflects the continued efforts by India and Russia to strengthen defence cooperation through high-level military interactions, professional dialogue and exchanges of experience. Both countries have maintained longstanding defence relations, with military engagement remaining an important component of their broader bilateral partnership.
Meanwhile, India’s naval presence in Russia has provided another opportunity to reinforce cooperation between the two countries’ armed forces. Indian Navy warship INS Sahyadri hosted a deck reception in Vladivostok, bringing together representatives of the Russian Federation Navy, the city administration and Indian diplomatic officials.
The Consulate General of India in Vladivostok shared details of the reception on X, describing the gathering as an evening of fellowship and goodwill. The event offered an opportunity for officials and naval personnel from both countries to interact in an informal setting and strengthen professional and interpersonal connections.
As part of the broader engagement, Indian and Russian naval personnel also participated in friendly football and basketball matches. The sporting activities highlighted teamwork, sportsmanship and camaraderie between the two naval forces, complementing their formal military interactions.
The naval engagements coincided with the ongoing bilateral exercise INDRA 2026, which aims to improve maritime cooperation and operational coordination between the Indian Navy and the Russian Federation Navy.
INS Sahyadri arrived in Vladivostok on October 10 to participate in the exercise, which commenced on October 13 and is scheduled to continue until October 18. The programme includes professional interactions and operational engagements both in harbour and at sea.
As part of the exercise-related engagements, the commanding officer of INS Sahyadri held a protocol meeting with Vice Admiral A. Y. Sysuev, Commander of the Primorsky Flotilla of Russia’s Pacific Fleet, in Vladivostok.
According to the Indian mission, the meeting was followed by an interaction that reaffirmed the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two navies. The engagement highlighted the importance of sustained communication between naval leadership in supporting effective bilateral maritime collaboration.
The Indian Navy has stated that INDRA 2026 is intended to strengthen mutual understanding, improve interoperability and enhance coordination in addressing shared maritime challenges. Through professional exchanges and joint operational activities, the participating forces aim to develop a better understanding of each other’s procedures and capabilities.
The exercise also provides an opportunity for personnel from both countries to exchange professional knowledge and strengthen their ability to coordinate during maritime operations.
The combination of senior military discussions, naval meetings, professional exchanges and joint activities demonstrates the multiple channels through which India and Russia continue to engage in defence cooperation.
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While the military talks focused on expanding cooperation across areas of mutual interest, the activities in Vladivostok underscored the maritime dimension of the partnership. The ongoing INDRA 2026 exercise is expected to further strengthen naval coordination and reinforce the longstanding defence relationship between the two countries.
The latest engagements come as both sides continue to use military dialogue and joint exercises to maintain institutional links, promote mutual understanding and explore opportunities for closer collaboration in the defence sector.
