NEW DELHI - India and Russia are holding a joint defense training exercise in the western state of Rajasthan,  defense sources said Tuesday.

The two week-long exercise, titled Counter Terrorism Operations in the backdrop of desert terrain under a United Nations Mandate, began Monday.

The training exercise, which will continue till Nov. 20, is being held at Mahajan field firing range in the state's Bikaner town, the sources said.

The Russian contingent includes over 250 military personnel from an independent motorised brigade, who arrived in India on Nov.  7, they said.

Major General P.C. Thimmaya, the general officer commanding India's Red Eagle Division, has urged both contingents to strive to understand each others' battle drills and procedures, a release said.(Xinhua)