Indian Army participates in ‘International Army Games – 2021’ hosted by Russia; India announces Defence Procurement from Russia

The 7th edition of the International Army Games 2021 that was held between 22nd August and 4th September saw the participation of the Indian Army. A 101-member contingent was sent by the Indian army to participate in various army games that were hosted by Russia.

Participating events – Army Scout Masters Competition (ASMC), Elbrus ring, polar star, sniper frontier and safe route games.

i.The event saw the presence of a total 260 teams from 45 countries participating in 34 categories, which was held in 11 countries.

ii.Russia, with a total of 34 medals was ranked 1st in the event.

Note – India ranked 1st in the 2019 Army Scouts Master Competition that was held in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.

About International Army Games:

• It is an International Military Sporting event that is annually hosted by Russia since 2015.
• International Army Games is also known as the “War Olympics”.

India finalises deal to procure over 70,000 AK-203 assault rifles from Russia

India finalised deal with Russia for the purchase of around 70,000 AK-203 assault rifles to replace the existing Indian Small Arms System (INSAS) 5.56mm*45mm assault rifle.

i.Previously, the Indian Defence Ministry had issued a Request of Proposal (RFP) for the purchase of around 671,000 of such rifles.

ii.This comes as a result of the Inter-Governmental Agreement signed between India & Russia to manufacture rifles, where a joint venture called Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) was formed with 50.5% of the company owned by Ordnance Factory Board of India and the rest belongs to Rosoboron Exports and Kalashnikov of Russia.IRRPL was set up at Korwa in Uttar Pradesh.

Note – As per Official announcement by Russia, the total defence trade between India & Russia since 2018 stands at $15 billion.

iii.Notably, Russia is India’s largest Defence equipment supplier. India is also planning to procure Kamov-226 utility helicopters from Russia to meet the shortage of light utility helicopters.

Krivak class stealth frigates to be delivered in Mid-2023

United Shipbuilding Corporation of Russia confirmed that the delivery of first Krivak or Talwar Class stealth frigate(War Ship) to India by the mid of 2023 due to delay caused by the pandemic.

Background – In 2016, India and Russia signed an agreement for for four Krivak Class stealth Frigates.The two will be procured directly from Russia for USD I Bn, while the other 2 will be built in Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).

i.The 1st stage of the ships will be built in Russia’s Yantar Shipyard and the 2nd stage at GSL with critical transfer of technology.

ii.Notably, India currently operates 6 Krivak class frigates.

Recent Related News:

INS Tabar participated in the 12th Edition of Biennial bilateral maritime Exercise ‘INDRA Navy-21’ that was held between Indian Navy & Russian Federation Navy in the Baltic Sea in July, 2021.

About Russia: 

President – Vladimir Putin
Capital – Moscow
Currency – Ruble