NEW DELHI: In a bid to secure vital navigational routes for international commercial traffic, the Indian Navy has carried out a three-week coordinated exercise with Indonesian Navy near the international maritime boundary line in the Indian Ocean Region around Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
According to the Navy, the defence relations between Indian and Indonesia have been growing steadily with regular joint activities and exchanges between the Armed Forces of the two countries. The 24th edition of Indian-Indonesia Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) was conducted from 9 to 30 September. The aim of the exercise was to enhance mutual understanding and interoperability between the navies, prosecute vessels engaged in unlawful activities, conduct SAR and take measures against sea pollution, the Navy said.
“Under the broad ambit of this strategic partnership, TNI AL (Tentara National Indonesia Angkatan Laut) and the Indian Navy have been carrying out coordinated patrolling twice a year since 2002 near the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) to keep this vital part of the Indian Ocean region safe and secure for commercial shipping and international trade,” said Captain D K Sharma, Indian NAvy spokesperson.
From the Indian side, INS Kesari(with Chetak integral helicopter) and one Dornier participated, while the Indonesian Navy was represented by KRI Pattimura and Maritime Patrol aircraft CN 235.
The high-level Indonesian delegation for the 24th CORPAT was headed by First Admiral Harjo Susmoro, Commander Sea task Force, Western Fleet Command, and included Captain Achmad Wibisono, Commander Task Group.
KRI Pattimura entered Port Blair along with INS Kesari on 27 September to attend the closing ceremony on completion of sea phase of the joint exercise. The Indonesian delegation called on Vice Admiral P K Chatterjee, Commander-in-chief Andaman & Nicobar Command, during their visit.
The closing ceremony was conducted in Headquarters Naval Component on September 14.