Indian and Russian troops are taking part in a joint exercise near New Delhi aimed at enhancing the two armies' counter-terrorism capabilities.

The 10-day maneuvers began on October 10 at an army base near the northern Indian city of Agra.

They are expected to gain experience in dropping armored vehicles from the air, launching anti-tank guided missiles and firing artillery to destroy a simulated terrorist camp set up in the Thar desert of India's Rajasthan state.

Indian army soldiers have been fighting against terrorism for years in the strife-torn Jammu-Kashmir region and rebellious northeastern states.

The exercises mark the first time that the airborne forces of the two armies have trained together.

Some information for this report provided by AP.