NEW DELHI - India and Russia will conduct joint military exercise in the deserts of the western state of Rajasthan from Friday, sources said Monday.

"The Indian Army will hold war games with the Russian Army at the country's elite Mahajan Field Firing Ranges so as to enhance bilateral defense cooperation. The event, slated for 10 days, will be conducted in semi-desert terrain conditions," the sources said.

The range has been earlier used by India to hold joint defense exercises with countries like the US, the UK, France, Thailand and Kazakhstan.