Avia Indra I, Phase II, a joint Indo–Russia Air Force exercise was held at Air Force Station Halwara (Punjab) from November 17. The Phase I of the Avia Indra I was held at Astrakhan near the Caspian Sea in Russia in August 2014.

Media from Punjab also had an opportunity to witness the exercise at SK (SidhwanKhas) Range. Such exercises, specially with Russia, are of significance as the IAF has a large inventory of Russian equipment. For the diverse defence needs of the two air forces there is much to benefit from such engagements for both sides.

During the exercise, fighter helicopter and missile crew of the two countries operated together. It included air-to-ground firing and fighter sorties over the mighty Himalayas. Select members of the team were taken to Bengaluru, where they were introduced to indigenous programmes, including the LCA Tejas and advanced light helicopter Dhruv.

To commemorate the event, the two commanders Air Commodore P.K. Vohra VM and Major General Alexander N. Lyapkin unveiled a hand-carved stone and planted saplings next to the memorial stone to symbolise growth of this unique partnership etched in the stone for posterity.