Iran, Russia and China Joint Exercises in Indian Ocean Begins

TEHERAN – Navy Iran , Russia and China has started joint training from Samudra on Friday (21/1/2022). Iranian state media reported that the joint exercise was aimed at enhancing maritime security.

Iran’s state television said 11 of its ships were joined by three Russian ships including a destroyer, and two Chinese ships. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards will also participate with smaller ships and helicopters.

The report said the maneuvers would cover about 17,000 square kilometers in the northern Indian Ocean, including night fighting, rescue operations and firefighting drills.

Also read: Russian, Iranian and Chinese navies prepare to hold joint maneuvers

This is the third joint naval exercise between the countries since 2019. The drill coincides with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s recent visit to Russia which ended on Thursday.

“Improving bilateral relations between Tehran and Moscow will enhance regional security and the international arena,” Raisi said upon his return from Russia on Friday, the official IRNA news agency reported.

Tehran has been seeking to increase military cooperation with Beijing and Moscow amid regional tensions with the United States. Visits to Iran by Russian and Chinese naval representatives have also increased in recent years.

Iran has held regular military exercises in recent months, as efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers failed.

Also read: World powers believe they can revive Iran nuclear deal

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