China, Iran & Russia hold joint naval drills in North Indian Ocean

Russia, China & Iran recently held their third joint naval drill in the northern Indian Ocean. Amid tensions with the U.S., Iran has strived to step up defence cooperation with Russia and China. Over the years, there has been an increase in the visits to Iran by Russian & Chinese naval officers. Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi, who took over in June 2021, has pursued a 'Look East' policy.