NEW DELHI, Dec 2: Navy ships of India and China have conducted joint exercises off the Kochi coast in the first bilateral exercise in India, Indian naval sources said.

On Thursday, communication exercises between the two ships, manoeuvre procedures and exercises relating to casualty evacuation were held, added the sources.

In 2003, Indian naval vessels had taken part in joint exercises in China.

Two Chinese ships — Shenzhen and Weishanhu — participated in the exercise, said a news report quoting the sources as saying.

The Chinese vessels are equipped with surface-to-surface missiles and surface-to-air missiles.

It carries a Harbin Z9C helicopter onboard. Both the ships together have a crew of 544 personnel, the report said.

The Indian vessels — INS Gomati and INS Sharda — participated in the exercises.—APP