In continuation of its policy to practice naval skills and operate in the backyards of friendly nations, the Indian Navy revealed plans to hold exercises with the United States and Russia in quick succession next year in the Pacific Ocean. A flotilla will sail to match skills with the US mid 2007 and then go to Vladivostok to conduct exercises with the Russian Navy.

On the way, the flotilla will interact with the Singapore Navy and after the exercises with the Russians will make port visits to Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines. The Japanese visit will coincide with the opening of the Festival of India in that country.

India is slowly gearing to build a large blue water navy capable of protecting sea lanes and particularly protect energy supplies. Defense Minister Pranab Mukherjee disclosed that he has expressed desire to cooperate with Indonesia , Singapore, Malaysia, and Japan to protect the Straits of Malacca. India is also interacting with China and “is taking great deal of interest in maritime security.”