Vestnik Kavkaza – India has withdrawn its participation in Kavkaz 2020 multinational exercise in Russia in September citing logistics difficulties due to COVID-19 pandemic, a defence official said. However, it is mainly due to participation of Chinese troops amid the ongoing standoff in Ladakh, a defence source said, The Hindu reports.
“Russia and India are close and privileged strategic partners. At Russia’s invitation India has been participating in many international events. However, in view of pandemic and consequent difficulties in exercise, including arrangements of logistics, India has decided not to send contingent this year to Kavkaz 2020. The same has been informed to the Russian side,” a Defence Ministry official said late on Saturday.
Apart worsening COVID-19 situation in the country, other reasons include participation of Chinese troops, the defence source cited above stated.
