The Bharatiya Navy is gearing up to strengthen its collaboration with the Singapore Navy through joint maritime exercises, as announced by Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, Rear Admiral Rajesh Dhankhar. These exercises aim to enhance operational compatibility and foster a deeper understanding of each other’s strategic approaches.
Addressing a reception aboard INS Shakti at Changi Naval Base, Rear Admiral Dhankhar revealed plans for the 31st edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX).
Scheduled for the fourth quarter of this year in Visakhapatnam, Bharat, the exercise signifies the commitment of both navies to fortify their partnership.
“We look forward to further enhancing our operability and understanding of each other’s operational philosophy,” stated Rear Admiral Dhankhar, highlighting the significance of adapting exercises to contemporary challenges. His previous involvement in training programs for the Singapore Navy underlines the longstanding cooperation between the two maritime forces.
The current deployment of Bharatiya Naval Ships Delhi, INS Shakti, and Kiltan in Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines underscores Bharat’s dedication to engaging with friendly partner navies. This initiative aims to facilitate knowledge sharing and mutual learning, aligning with Bharat’s Sagar Doctrine, which emphasizes security and progress for all in the maritime domain.
Bharatiya High Commissioner to Singapore, Dr. Shilpak Ambule, highlighted the evolving nature of Bharat’s engagement in the region, particularly with Singapore. He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to address maritime challenges and deepen bilateral partnerships, reflecting Bharat’s historical and cultural ties with ASEAN countries.
Dr. Ambule reiterated Bharat’s commitment to the Sagar Doctrine and commended the Bharatiya Navy for its role in securing vital sea lanes, ensuring the safety of sailors and commercial ships. He expressed confidence in the enduring strength of the relationship between the Bharatiya and Singapore Navies, which has been nurtured over decades.
The visit of Bharatiya naval ships to Singapore signifies a milestone in bilateral cooperation, with both nations poised to further strengthen their maritime ties. The engagement reflects Bharat’s proactive approach to regional security and its commitment to fostering stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
All over, the joint maritime exercises and ongoing engagements between the Bharatiya and Singapore Navies underscore the shared commitment to maritime security and cooperation, paving the way for deeper strategic collaboration in the future.
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