India, Indonesia start 29th coordinated naval patrol

The 29th series of India-Indonesia coordinated patrol commenced on Tuesday, with an opening ceremony under the Andaman and Nicobar Command, Indian Navy said in a statement.

The coordinated patrol or Corpat will go on till May 25.

The ships will be at Andaman and Nicobar till May 12.

The Indonesian Naval Ship KRI Sutedi Senoputra arrived at Haddo Wharf, Port Blair, on Tuesday.

An Indonesian Maritime Patrol Aircraft also flew in with the Indonesian Naval delegation led by First Admiral Bambang Irwanto to INS Utkrosh, Port Blair.

Irwanto called on Major General P.S. Sai, Chief of Staff, Andaman and Nicobar Command, and the delegation also interacted with Commodore Ashutosh Ridhorkar, the Naval Component Commander.

Apart from securing the trade sea route, the Coordinated Patrol also serves to enhance mutual understanding and inter-operability between the two navies, the Indian Navy said.

"The Corpat thus reflects the shared concerns between the two countries for a peaceful Indian Ocean for the benefit of the international community," the Navy said.

During their stay at Port Blair from May 9 to 12, the visiting crew shall be engaged in interactions at various levels, including sports fixtures, ship visits, professional interactions and visits to places of historical and tourist interests.

The closing ceremony of Corpat is scheduled at Belawan, Indonesia from May 22 to 25.

"The close defence relations between India and Indonesia have been growing steadily with regular joint activities and exchanges of personnel between the Armed Forces of the two countries," the Indian Navy said in a statement.

Under the broad ambit of this strategic partnership, Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) and the Indian Navy have been carrying out coordinated patrolling twice a year since 2002 near the International Maritime Boundary Line to keep this part of the Indian Ocean region safe and secure for commercial shipping and international trade.

--IANS

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