India-Indonesia hold bilateral maritime exercise

India and Indonesia on Monday commenced their second coordinated patrol and bilateral maritime exercise in the Andaman Sea, an official said.

The 17-day-long bilateral exercise -- to continue till October 27 -- demonstrates India's commitment to its ties with Indonesia and to maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region, said an official statement here.

The two navies have been carrying out Coordinated Patrols (CORPAT) on respective sides of the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) twice a year since 2002, with the aim of keeping this vital part of the Indian Ocean Region safe and secure for commercial shipping, international trade and legitimate marine activities.

Both navies are contributing one aircraft and a ship each in the exercise. The Indian Navy's missile corvette Karmuk and a Dornier maritime patrol aircraft are participating from the Indian side in the exercise.

Commodore Girish Kumar Garg, Naval Component Commander of the Tri-Service Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) based at Port Blair, attended the opening ceremony of CORPAT at Belawan, in Indonesia.

The Indian Navy's Offshore Patrol Vessel Sumitra has also arrived at Surabaya, Indonesia, on a two-day visit from October 10 to 12 as part of its deployment to the South Western Pacific Ocean.

On departure, INS Sumitra will also undertake a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with Indonesian naval ships.

PASSEX, a regular maritime interaction through training exchanges and port calls, helps strengthen the maritime relationship between the two countries.

--IANS

rs/ss/dg