India-Russia defence ties: IAF hosts joint Exercise AviaIndra-2025; bilateral cooperation, aerospace synergy in focus

NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is hosting Exercise AviaIndra-2025, a joint exercise with the Russian Federation Aerospace Force (RFASF), from December 15 to 22. The exercise reflects the long-standing Indo-Russian relationship and continues the AviaIndra series, which began in 2014.

Personnel from both forces will conduct joint flying operations on Su-30 MKI, Tejas, IL-78 aircraft, and Mi-17 helicopters.


IAF said the joint air exercise provides an opportunity to enhance bilateral cooperation, mutual understanding, and aerospace synergy between the two nations.

In a post on X, the IAF wrote: “The #IAF is hosting Exercise AviaIndra-2025, a joint exercise with the Russian Federation Aerospace Force (RFASF) from 15–22 Dec 2025. The exercise reflects the long-standing Indo-Russian relationship and continues the AviaIndra series which began in 2014. Personnel from both forces will conduct joint flying operations on Su-30 MKI, Tejas, IL-78 and Mi-17 helicopters, sharing best practices and lessons learnt. It provides an opportunity to enhance bilateral cooperation, mutual understanding and aerospace synergy.”


Earlier this month, India and Russia agreed to further enhance their expansive defence partnership during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India, including collaboration in niche military technologies and stronger defence-industrial cooperation.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Andrei Belousov emphasized that ties between the two countries are built on “a deep sense of trust, common principles and mutual respect.” They also signed a protocol outlining “ongoing and prospective areas” of defence cooperation, reinforcing the strategic and long-standing military relationship.
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