"The exercises are not linked to the situation in Iraq, but are part of the dialogue and good relations between the Russian and Indian navies," the Interfax news agency quoted Viktor Fyodorov as saying.

The three vessels have left their Far East port of Vladivostok and will take approximately 25 days to reach the Indian Ocean, Fyodorov said.

Last week, Nezavisimaya Gazeta, which has developed a reputation for its good military ties, reported that Russia was likely to send some navy ships to the Arabian Sea, which is on the Indian Ocean's northern tip and washes the shores of India, Iran, Oman and Yemen.

Russian navy officials had earlier announced that at least two fleets -- the Pacific and the Black Sea -- would stage exercises in the Indian Ocean in May.

SPACE.WIRE