Moscow, Aug 7 (IANS/RIA Novosti): Russia and India will Tuesday hold an official opening of joint INDRA-2012 anti-terrorism military exercises in the Siberian republic of Buryatia, a spokesperson for Russia's Eastern Military District said.

Both countries have conducted five INDRA-series joint ground and naval exercises since 2003. The last such exercise was held in India in October 2010.

"An official opening of the INDRA-2012 will be held on August 7 at the Burduny training range," said Lt. Col. Igor Muginov.

Some 500 servicemen -- about 250 on each side -- will take part in the drills, which will be conducted using some 50 Russian combat vehicles.

Russia will be represented by a motorised infantry and a tank companies, a mortar and a MLRS battalions, and a grenade launcher platoon.

The participants of the exercises will carry out a number of firing, tactical and driving drills until Aug 12.

The active phase of the exercises will begin Aug 13 and include reconnaissance, pursuit and elimination of "terrorist groups."