New Delhi, Jul 23 (IANS): The Indian Navy will participate in the 325th Navy Day celebrations of the Russian Navy and carry out maritime exercises with them to enhance military ties.

Indian naval ship Tabar arrived at St Petersburg on Thursday for a five-day visit to Russia. "India and Russia share special bilateral relations that span several decades. These include close military ties and strong cooperation between the two navies," the Indian Navy stated.

INS Tabar is a Talwar-class stealth frigate and forms part of the Indian Navy's Western Fleet which is based at Mumbai under the Western Naval Command.

Incidentally, the ship was built for the Indian Navy in Russia and was commissioned at St Petersburg in April 2004. The ship is presently commanded by Capt Mahesh Mangipudi and has a complement of over 300 personnel.

The ship is equipped with a versatile range of weapons and sensors and is among the earliest stealth frigates of the Indian Navy.

During the Russian Navy Day Parade on 25 July 2021, INS Tabar will join the column of ships that will be reviewed by the President of the Russian Federation.

The Indian Naval Band embarked on Tabar will also participate in the City Parade during the celebrations.

In addition, during her stay at St Petersburg, the crew of Tabar will participate in various bilateral professional interactions with the Russian Navy. This will be followed by naval exercises at sea between the two navies.

This will be part of the established series of naval exercises between the two navies titled Exercise INDRA.

The harbour interactions and the exercise at sea aim to consolidate the long standing ties between the two navies.

These engagements seek to further enhance maritime security and conduct combined operations against maritime threats. These interactions will also offer an opportunity for both sides to observe and imbibe the 'Best Practices' followed in each other's Navy.