The Indian government has decided not to participate in a multi-lateral defense exercise being organized by Russia.
The move comes in the backdrop of a border standoff with China in Ladakh, which has been going on since the last three-and-half months.
“Recently, a high-level meeting was held in the South Block that included External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat. In the meeting, it was decided that India would not accept the invitation sent by Russia,” top government sources privy to the development said.
The military exercise would also see participation Pakistan with which India’s relations are extremely strained.
It is to be mentioned here that the ‘Exercise Kavkaz 2020’ is to be held in the Astrakhan province of southern Russia between 15 and 27 September.
