India Myanmar Joint Military Exercise: In a bid to increase cooperation and inter-operability with regional navies of Indian Ocean countries, Indian Navy has started joint patrol at Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the home to India’s first tri-service strategic command.
Two Myanmar Navy Ships, UMS King TabinShweHtee (773) and UMS Inlay (OPV-54) have arrived at Port Blair on 20 May for the opening ceremony of the 8th Indo-Myanmar coordinated patrol (IMCOR), at Andaman and Nicobar Command.
Myanmar naval ships have joined Indian Naval Ship Saryu for the joint patrol, that began on May 20 and will continue till May 18.
The ships would patrol along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) between the two countries covering a distance of approximately 725 Kms over a period of four days.
Myanmar Naval ships at Andaman & Nicobar.
The CORPAT initiative between the two navies is meant to address issues of terrorism, illegal fishing, drug trafficking, human trafficking, poaching and other illegal activities inimical to interest of both nations.
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“The patrolling effort will be augmented by Maritime Patrol Aircraft from both the navies,” Indian Navy said in a statement.
The ships will also undertake joint manoeuvres and drills during the sea phase of coordinated patrol (CORPAT) prior to the closing ceremony’ of the CORPAT onboard Myanmar Naval Ship.
While visiting Myanmar navy ships are led by Commodore Htein Win, Commander of Ayeyarwady Naval Command, Indian navy team is lead by Cmde Ashutosh Ridhorkar, Naval Component Commander.
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Started in Mar 2013, the CORPAT series has enhanced the mutual understanding and fostered improved professional interaction between the two navies for maritime interoperability.
Indian Navy also conducts similar exercises with Indonesian Navy.
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