1. The Indian Navy’s Eastern
Fleet under the command of Rear Admiral Ajendra Bahadur Singh, VSM, Flag
Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, is on an operational deployment to South
Indian Ocean and South China Sea. As a part of this deployment, INS Satpura,
indigenously built guided missile stealth frigate, commanded by Captain Hari
Krishnan and INS Kamorta, the latest and indigenous Anti Submarine Warfare
Corvette, commanded by Commander Manoj Kumar Jha had arrived at Singapore on 18
May 2015. These ships participated in IMDEX-15 and are now conducting bilateral
naval exercise SIMBEX-15 with Singapore Navy from 23-26 May 2015.
2. Operational interaction
between IN and RSN commenced with ASW training exercises in 1994, which
has grown steadily over the past 20 years. The operational interaction was
formalised as an annual bilateral exercise ‘SIMBEX’ in 1999. Since its
inception, SIMBEX has grown in tactical and operational complexity. It has
transcended the traditional emphasis on ASW to more complex maritime exercises,
involving various facets of Naval operations such as Air Defence, Air and
Surface Practice Firing, Maritime Security and Search and Rescue. SIMBEX-14 was
conducted from 22-28 May 14 off Port Blair in which RSN ships Valour and
Independence participated, while IN was represented by Guided Missile
Corvettes Karmuk, Kuthar and Maritime Patrol Aircraft Dornier. This year RSN ship
Supreme and submarine Archer along with MPA and fighter aircraft are
participating from Singaporean side, whilst Indian Navy is represented by INS
Satpura with integral helicopter, INS Kamorta and Long Range Maritime
Reconnaissance Anti Submarine (LRMRASW) aircraft P 8I.
3. The port
visit of IN Ships to Singapore also coincided with the commemoration of 50
years of diplomatic relations between India and Singapore. This visit was aimed
at strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing inter-operability between navies
of the two friendly nations. During the stay in harbour, various activities were
conducted viz. official calls, reception on board, ship open to visitors,
guided tours for Indian naval personnel and professional interaction between
personnel of both the navies.
DKS/AK