Russia, India to hold anti-terror drills Oct. 15-24

Some 280 Russian officers and servicemen will take part in a joint anti-terror exercise in India, Russia's Defense Ministry said Wednesday.

The troops from Russia's 34th mountain brigade based in the North Caucasus, led by head of the combat training department of the Southern Military District Major-General Vladimir Glinin, will be airlifted by two Il-76 aircraft of the Russian Air Force to join the INDRA 2010 exercises that have been conducted by the two countries since 2003.

The INDRA exercises included biannual antiterrorism drills.

The ministry said troops from both sides would carry out a series of mock antiterrorism missions in the mountains at altitudes up to 3,000 meters above sea level, while learning to use each other's weapons.

The Russian troops will be equipped with lightweight infantry suits protecting some 80 percent of the body surface from small-caliber bullets.

The maneuvers' opening ceremony will be held at the garrison of the 99th mountain brigade of the Indian Army in Chaubattia on Oct. 15.

Source: Xinhua