Russia and India begin military exercises in the Bay of Bengal

La Russia and India have begun joint naval military maneuvers in the Bay of Bengal, including exercises to combat air strikes, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday, November 21, in the midst of a rapprochement between the two countries.

India, which holds the presidency of the G20 until the end of November, has close historical ties with Moscow, with Russia remaining New Delhi's largest arms supplier. “Joint naval maneuvers of ships of the Russian Pacific Fleet and Indian Naval Forces are held in the Bay of Bengal», Announced the Russian ministry in a press release.

Anti-submarine warfare

The exercises, which involve a Russian anti-submarine warfare vessel and tanker, as well as several Chinese ships, planes and helicopters, aim to practice "common fight against global threats" and of "strengthen cooperation»Russian-Indian naval service, according to the same source. During these maneuvers, which are scheduled to last until Wednesday, sailors from the two countries will carry out training in the field of anti-aircraft warfare and communication, as well as practice the joint use of helicopters, the press release added.

Since the beginning of the Russian assault in Ukraine, India has significantly increased its purchases of Russian oil, a significant financial windfall for Moscow to support its military offensive. India, but also China, large energy consumers, are at the forefront of the countries on which Moscow is counting to compensate for lost contracts in Europe. But logistical difficulties persist to allow the redirection of all Russian gas and oil production towards Asia. On Wednesday, Vladimir Putin is due to participate in the virtual G20 summit hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to the Kremlin.