Indian Navy: India and Indonesian naval ships have started third round of coordinated patrol exercise IND-INDO CORPAT off the Andaman and Nicobar islands. Indonesian ship KRI Sultan Thaha Syaifuddin and Maritime Patrol Aircraft CN-235 led by Cmde Dafit Santoso arrived at Port Blair on Tuesday (March 19).
This coordinated patrol by Indian and Indonesia will involve use of both of ships and aircraft and it will cover the area of 236 nautical miles long International Maritime Boundary line from both the sides.
The joint naval patrolling will be conducted in three phases, beginning from March 22 to 31, and the closing ceremony will be held at Belawan, Indonesia between April 01 to 4.
Indian Naval ships and aircraft have been regularly deployed in the recent times to counter any challenge.
“IND-INDO CORPAT series of bilaterals seek to underscore India’s peaceful presence and solidarity with friendly Maritime neighbours countries to ensure good order in the maritime domain, consolidate interoperability and strengthen existing bonds of friendship between India and Indonesia,” Indian Navy said in an official statement.
Ind-Indonesia Joint Naval Exercise: India Indonesia Coordinated Patrol.
During the stay in Port Blair harbour, various activities such as official calls, formal reception onboard ship, sporting fixtures between both navies, ship open to visitors and professional interactions will be organised.
The Indian Navy has also been involved in assisting countries in the Indian Ocean Region with EEZ Surveillance, Search and Rescue, and other capacity-building and capability-enhancement activities as part of India’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
The 33rd IND-INDO CORPAT is also coinciding with 70 years of India-Indonesia diplomatic ties. It will contribute towards the Indian Navy’s efforts to consolidate inter-operability and forge strong bonds of friendship across the seas.
Indonesia ambassador to India, Shidharto Raza Suryodipuro is also visiting Port Blair to attend the Opening Ceremony to be held at Port Blair.
The Indian delegation is led by the senior officer from the Indian Navy, Commodore Ashutosh Ridhorkar, VSM Naval Component Commander, Andaman and Nicobar Command.
