They also discussed the progress of several ongoing projects including issues of common interest ranging from the maritime environment in the Indian Ocean Rim (IOR), operational philosophies of the two navies, ongoing projects of Indian Navy and mutual training exchanges.Whilst discussing the maritime environment, specific emphasis was laid on the growing threat of piracy in the IOR and various possibilities for the two navies to co-operate. Other matters discussed included possibilities for regularising Navy-to-Navy interactions with 'staff talks' and the feasibility of enhancing the scope of the INDRA exercises between the Indian Navy and the Russian Navy.

Admiral Vysotskiy is on a three day visit to India from January 17 at the invitation of Admiral Verma. He paid homage to the martyrs at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate.

India and Russia share deep historical linkages for over fifty years and in recent years defence relations between the two countries have transformed into a strategic partnership with joint developmental projects such as BRAHMOS and Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft being cases in the point. Indian Navy and Russian Navy have regularly conducted joint exercises named 'INDRA' since 2003. Five exercises have been held so far. The last exercise INDRA 09/01 was conducted off Goa and INS Beas made a port call at St Petersburg.

During his current visit to India, Admiral Vysotskiy will also be visiting the Western Naval Command on January 18, where he will be visiting INS Shivalik, the indigenously built stealth frigate.

Admiral Vysotskiy, a graduate from the Black Sea Naval College and the Military Academy of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces has served as the Chief of Staff of the Baltic Fleet and Commander of the Northern Fleet before taking over as the Commander-in-Chief in 2007.