Russia on Tuesday launched "Okean-2024 (Ocean-2024), its biggest naval drill in recent times, set to be held simultaneously in the Pacific and Arctic Oceans as well as the Mediterranean, Caspian and Baltic Seas, President Vladimir Putin announced, as he called for the country to be ready for any scenario amid "growing geopolitical tensions".
The aim of the drills is to assess the combat readiness of the Russian Navy and the Air Force, as well as to check their interoperability, he said as he joined the opening of the exercise via video link.
The manoeuvres, involving more than 400 battleships and submarines as well as auxiliary vessels, some 120 aircraft and over 90,000 personnel, will include complex operations involving high-precision weapons launch simulations, Putin said at a meeting that was attended by Defense Minister Andrey Belousov, RT reported
The drills would employ the experience the Russian troops had gained during the ongoing conflict between Moscow and Kiev, he said
China is also taking part in the Russian drills, with four vessels and 15 aircraft of the People’s Liberation Army joining the exercise, Russian Navy chief, Admiral Aleksandr Moiseev, said.
Representatives from 15 other nations were also invited to the drills as observers, according to Putin.
Moscow plans to "pay special attention to strengthening military cooperation with friendly nations", he said, noting that this gains "particular importance against the background of the growing geopolitical tensions".
Claiming the US is "trying to maintain its global military and political dominance at any cost", Putin said it is using Ukraine in a bid to inflict a strategic defeat upon Moscow, but with its "satellites", has also built up a military presence in Europe, the Arctic and the Pacific under the pretext of “containing” Russia and China.
He noted that the US and its allies openly speak about their plans to deploy short and medium-range missiles to the islands in the Western Pacific and some nations located in the region. "The US seeks to get a sizable military advantage through its aggressive actions and thus break the existing security architecture and the balance of power," he said, warning such actions "provoke the arms race.”
“Russia must be ready for any potential scenario," the President said, adding that the armed forces should provide reliable security to both Russia’s sovereignty and its national interests.
CMs of Northeastern states condole demise of ex-PM Dr. Manmohan Singh
Chief Ministers of several northeastern states expressed their deep condolences over the death of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who died on Thursday at the AIIMS in Delhi at the age of 92.
Dr. Manmohan Singh, legendary economist and former PM, passes away
Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, renowned economist and architect of India’s economic reforms, passed away on Thursday at the age of 92. He was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here following a deterioration in his health.
Minister Santana Chakma calls women to join SHGs to become self-reliant
The state industry and commerce minister Santana Chakma on Thursday inaugurated the closing ceremony of the 19th Regional Saras Fair here at Agartala Hapania International Fair Ground and urged upon the women to join Self Help Groups (SHGs) to become Atmanirbhar.
Minister Sudhangshu Das pitches for fishery and livestock rearing to become self-reliant; chairs review meeting
The state animal resource development department (ARDD) Sudhangshu Das on Thursday chaired a west Tripura district level review meeting on various developmental schemes under the SC Welfare, ARDD and Fishery department here in the conference hall of the District Magistrate of West Tripura district.
Tripura UPSC aspirant receives Lakshya-Chief Minister's Special Scholarship
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Thursday handed over Rs 5 lakh cheque to the Tripura’s UPSC aspirant Sagar Dutta Majumder as part of the Lakshya-Chief Minister's Special Scholarship.
Education and purity of thought vital for society: Tripura CM Manik Saha
Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today emphasized the importance of working for the welfare of people by removing mental impurities and fostering purity through education.
THRC orders probe into minor’s gang rape, seeks report by Jan 13
The Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) has directed the Director General of Police (DGP) to investigate the gang rape of a minor girl and submit a detailed report by January 13, 2024. The report must also be shared with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
DoNER Ministry approves 86 projects worth Rs 1,970.54 crore for NE in 2024: Official
The Union Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) has approved 86 projects worth Rs 1,970.54 crore for the eight northeastern states in 2024, officials said on Thursday.