Indian Army participates in Russia's 'Vostok' military drills; China joins too

New Delhi, Sept 1: Indian Army participated in 'Vostok' military exercises in Russia's far east along with 17 other nations including China. This is the first major military exercise hosted by Russia since the Ukraine war broke out.

 

 

 

Notably, the United States has raised concerns over India's participation in drills. "The United States has concerns about any country exercising with Moscow while Russia wages an unprovoked, brutal war against Ukraine. But, of course, every participating country will make its own decisions. And I’ll leave it at that," White House Press Secretary Jean-Pierre said.

 

Reports suggest that India has sent 80-90 armed personnel to Russia to take part in week-long drills. Moscow has announced the Vostok 2022 drills will involve more than 50,000 troops from China, India and several other countries.

 

 

According to the statement by Russia, "Vostok 2022 strategic command post exercise will be held from September 1 to 7, 2022 headed by the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation with practical training in defensive and offensive operations at seven training grounds of the Eastern Military District - Burduny, Goryachiye Klyuchi, Knyaze-Volkonskyi, Lagunnoye, Sergeevskyi, Telemba, Uspenovskyi - as well as in the water areas and coastal zones of the Sea of Okhotsk and the Sea of Japan."

 

 

It said, "Other partner countries include Azerbaijan, Algeria, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Mongolia, Nicaragua, Syria and Tajikistan. They will conduct joint operations with troops of the Eastern Military District, part of the Airborne Troops, long-range and military transport aviation."

 

 

"A total of more than 50,000 servicemen, more than 5,000 pieces of weapons and military equipment, including 140 aircraft, 60 warships, boats and support vessels, will be involved in the Vostok 2022 strategic command post exercise," it further added.