India and Indonesia conduct joint naval exercise Samudra Shakti-23

The Samudra Shakti exercise aims to enhance interoperability, synergy and cooperation between the two navies.

The Indian Navy has deployed its indigenous anti-submarine warfare frigate INS Kavaratti, Dornier maritime patrol aircraft and Chetak helicopters for the Samudra Shakti-23 exercise. Earlier, the Indian Navy said the ship had arrived at the Batam port in Indonesia to participate in the exercise.

INS Kavaratti has arrived at Batam port in Indonesia to participate in the exercise. Photo: Theprint.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian Navy has the participation of the warship KRI Sultan Iskandar Muda, CN 235 maritime patrol aircraft and AS565 MBe Panther anti-submarine helicopters.

“Exercise Samudra Shakti-23 is aimed at enhancing interoperability, connectivity and cooperation between the two navies,” the Indian Navy said in a statement.

The 4th India-Indonesia bilateral exercise Samudra Shakti-23 took place from May 14 to 19, comprising two phases: at port and at sea.

During the port phase, the two sides will conduct tours on each other's ships and exchange expertise.

During the maritime phase, the two sides will conduct weapons firing training, helicopter operations, anti-submarine and air defense exercises, as well as amphibious operations.

Samudra Shakti-23 will demonstrate the high level of interoperability between the two navies and their shared commitment to peace and stability in the region.

India and Indonesia conclude the third Samudra Shakti joint naval exercise in the Sunda Strait. Photo: Militaryleak.

In 2021, India and Indonesia conducted the third Samudra Shakti exercise. This is a large-scale three-day naval exercise in the Sunda Strait, located between the Indonesian islands of Java and Sumatra.

MINH ANH (synthesis)