INDIA. Mumbai: A Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) was conducted between Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) and the Indian Navy in the Andaman Sea in the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar on Saturday.
INS Sukanya, an offshore patrol vessel, and JS Samidare, a Murasame class destroyer, undertook various exercises including seamanship activities, aircraft operations, and tactical manoeuvres as part of the operational interaction, an Indian Navy statement said.
The two countries have been carrying out regular exercises in the Indian Ocean Region towards reinforcing maritime association. The exercise was aimed at enhancing interoperability and streamlining seamanship and communication procedures. This exercise was part of the ongoing efforts between the two navies toward ensuring safe and secure international shipping and trade in the Indian Ocean Region.
A Maritime Partnership Exercise was also held between the Indian Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) in the Bay of Bengal in a non-contact mode amid COVID-19 in January this year. The Indian side was represented by Indian Naval Ships –INS Shivalik and INS Kadmatt, while JMSDF ships Uraga and Hirado participated from the Japanese side. Strengthening bilateral relations, promoting defence cooperation, enhancing mutual understanding and interoperability, and sharing best practices between the Indian Navy and JMSDF.
Similarly, the Indian Navy stealth frigate, INS Tarkash, participated in a joint exercise- Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with Hellenic Naval Ship Elli, a Kortenar class frigate of Greece, on July 16 this year.
Exercises conducted included basic communication, manoeuvre, and an advanced air defence exercise with two F-16 fighter jets of the Hellenic Air Force.
Now INS Tarkash is in Latin America to celebrate India’s 75th Independence Day in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is routed through the Mediterranean Sea before entering Port Valencia on July 21, for an operational turnaround. During the passage through the Mediterranean Sea, the ship undertook MPX with the navies of Italy, France, and Algeria.
These exercises and interactions are aimed at enhancing Maritime Cooperation, strengthening Bridges of Friendship, and exchanging best operational practices.
Some important joint exercises: Red Flag (India and US), Al Nagah (India and Oman), Naseem-al-Bahr(India and Oman), Ekuverin (India and Maldives), Garuda Shakti( India and Indonesia), and Desert Warrior (India and Egypt).
