India, Mozambique, and Tanzania Conclude Trilateral Naval Exercise IMT TRILAT 24

March 30, 2024

The second edition of the India-Mozambique-Tanzania Trilateral Exercise (IMT TRILAT 24) concluded at Nacala, Mozambique, on March 28, 2024. The week-long exercise, which took place from March 21 to 28, aimed to enhance maritime cooperation and interoperability between the navies of India, Mozambique, and Tanzania.

Indian Naval Ships Tir and Sujata participated in the exercise, engaging in joint exercises, training sessions, and collaborative activities to exchange knowledge, enhance capabilities, and bolster maritime security in the region.

Exercise Phases

IMT TRILAT 24 was conducted in two phases:

Harbour Phase (March 21-24, 2024):

Intensive training sessions were held concurrently onboard INS Tir at Zanzibar and INS Sujata at Maputo.
Activities included training on Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS), Damage Control and Firefighting Drills, communication procedures, and medical lectures with CPR demonstration and casualty evacuation (CASEVAC).

Sea Phase (March 24-28, 2024):

INS Tir and INS Sujata embarked sea riders from the Tanzanian and Mozambique Navies, respectively.
Joint operations with Mozambique Naval ship Namatili and Tanzanian naval ship Fatundu showcased synergy and sustained efforts with regional navies, in line with the vision of SAGAR (Security & Growth for All in the Region).
Evolutions at sea involved simulated VBSS exercises and night manoeuvres.
Sea riders received training on bridge watch keeping, damage control, and firefighting.
Joint surveillance of Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) off Tanzania and Mozambique was conducted in the area of operation.

Closing Ceremony and Highlights

The closing ceremony held onboard INS Tir and INS Sujata at Nacala, Mozambique, featured representatives from all three navies. The closing remarks emphasized the successful collaboration, understanding of maritime capabilities, and shared objectives achieved during the exercise. The event also highlighted continued collaboration towards maritime security and regional stability, underlining India’s commitment as the preferred security partner.

Additional Engagements

In addition to IMT TRILAT 24, various official and training exchanges, cross-deck visits, sport fixtures, and Yoga sessions were held as part of the long-range training deployment of the ships. The ships were open to visitors at Zanzibar, Maputo, and Nacala, attracting more than 1,500 people, including school children, the Indian diaspora, and the local populace. Outreach activities were also conducted at Mizzizini orphanage center in Zanzibar and Obra Dom Orio Reception Centre in Maputo, fostering bonds of friendship.

About Mozambique

Mozambique, a country in Southeast Africa, gained independence from Portugal in 1975. Its capital is Maputo, and the official language is Portuguese. Mozambique is known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, and dolphins. The country faced a devastating civil war from 1977 to 1992. Mozambique’s economy heavily relies on agriculture, aluminium and petroleum production, and tourism. The Zambezi River flows through the country, and the Cahora Bassa Dam is one of the largest in Africa.

About Tanzania

Tanzania, located in East Africa, is known for its diverse landscapes, including the Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa’s highest mountain), and the Zanzibar archipelago. The country gained independence from British colonial rule in 1961. Tanzania’s capital is Dodoma, while Dar es Salaam is the largest city and a major commercial hub. Swahili and English are the official languages. The economy largely depends on agriculture, tourism, and mining. Tanzania is also home to the Maasai, an indigenous ethnic group known for their distinctive culture and traditions.

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