India-Indonesia bilateral maritime exercise commences at Belawan, Indonesia

The 28th India and Indonesia Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) and Second Bilateral Maritime Exercise have commenced at Belawan, Indonesia in the Andaman Sea.
The 17-day-long bilateral exercise (from 10 to 27, October, 2016) will demonstrate India’s commitment to its ties with Indonesia and to maritime security in Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Key Facts

• The bilateral maritime exercise and CORPAT will see participation by one warship and one maritime patrol aircraft from navies of both countries.
• India will be represented by INS Karmuk, an indigenously built missile corvette, based under Andaman and Nicobar Command alongwith a Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
• These naval interactions will provide opportunities for both countries for extensive operational and training engagements. Besides, it will also contribute substantively to the maintenance of good order at sea.
• The bilateral naval exercise also seeks to strengthen existing bonds of friendship between both countries. It will also underscore India’s partnership and solidarity with friendly countries of the region.

Backgfround

• Defence relations between India and Indonesia are growing steadily with regular joint activities and interactions between the Armed Forces of the two countries.
• The navies of both countries have been carrying out CORPAT on respective sides of the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) twice a year since 2002.
• The main aim of CORPAT is to keep the vital part of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) safe and secure for commercial shipping, International trade and legitimate marine activities.
• The CORPAT has helped to strengthened understanding and interoperability between the two navies and also has promoted net maritime security in the region.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2016