Russia is likely to send its navy to the Arabian Sea near the Gulf region where the United States is leading a war against Iraq, the newspaper Nezavisimaya Gazeta reports.
Russian navy officials had earlier announced that at least two fleets - the Pacific and the Black Sea, would stage exercises in the Indian Ocean next month.
However, there had previously been no mention of the Arabian Sea, which is on the Indian Ocean's northern tip and washes the shores of India, Iran, Oman and Yemen.
The newspaper, which has developed a reputation for its good military ties, reported that Black Sea fleet commander Yevgeny Orlov recently came to Moscow to receive instructions over the mission.
The paper said it was likely Commander Orlov received his orders not only from Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov but also from President Vladimir Putin.
It was not immediately clear how many vessels would take part in the exercises.
An official in the navy press service refused to confirm the report and said more detailed information about the mission might be released at a later date.
The Nezavisimaya Gazeta added Russia's strategic forces were put on heightened military alert following the March 20 launch of the war, which Russia has vigorously opposed.
The Russian military successfully launched a test intercontinental ballistic missile on March 27, but officials at the time stressed the exercise was not linked to Iraq.
Separately, Nezavisimaya Gazeta reported that Chief of Staff General Anatoly Kvashnin was in southern Russia to oversee the largest military exercises staged by the country's strategic air forces in 10 years.
"The unprecedented military activity confirms that Moscow is worried about the situation in Iraq," the newspaper wrote.
I wonder what it's all about?
