New Delhi: Indian Naval ships Shivalik and Kadmatt arrived at Jakarta, Indonesia on September 18 to participate in the third edition of bilateral exercise ‘Samudra Shakti’ with the Indonesian Navy. The maritime exercise is scheduled from 20-22 September, the Indian Navy said.

“The participating Indian Navy ships Shivalik and Kadmatt are amongst the latest indigenously designed and built multi-role Guided Missile Stealth Frigate and Anti-Submarine Corvette respectively, and form part of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet, based at Visakhapatnam, under the Eastern Naval Command,” a statement from the navy said.

Indian Navy’s Anti-Submarine Warfare capable Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft P8I is also participating in the exercise. KRI Bung Tomo, KRI Malahayati, and Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft CN-235 are representing Indonesian Navy.

“The exercise aims to strengthen the bilateral relationship, enhance mutual understanding and interoperability in maritime operations between the two navies,” the statement read.

The exercise will also provide an appropriate platform to share best practices and develop a common understanding of Maritime Security Operations.

What Is ‘Samudra Shakti’?

In pursuance of India’s Act East Policy, Exercise ‘Samudra Shakti’ was conceived in 2018 as a bilateral maritime exercise between India and Indonesia. The exercise has matured in complexity over the last two editions and will involve conduct of complex maritime operations including Military Interdiction Operations (MIO), Cross Deck Landings, Air Defence serials, Practice Weapon Firings, Replenishment Approaches, and Tactical Manoeuvres.

Under the extant policies, the third edition of the maritime exercise is being conducted in a Covid-safe environment and seeks to bolster the maritime cooperation between the two navies and forge strong bonds of friendship across the Indo-Pacific.