Indian ship in Indonesia for joint exercise

Jakarta, Oct 24 (IANS) Indian Naval ship Sukanya reached Indonesia on Tuesday to take part in the 30th edition of CORPAT (Coordinated Patrol) and third Bilateral exercise between the Indian and Indonesian navies.

The exercise is aimed at fostering closer maritime ties with countries located on the rim of the Indian Ocean.

The ship, commanded by Commander S.A. Deodhar, arrived at Belawan port for CORPAT scheduled from October 24 to November 5, an official statement said.

It is a demonstration of India's commitment to its ties with Indonesia and to the maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region, the statement added.

The two navies have held CORPATs on their respective sides of the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) twice a year since 2002 to enhance mutual understanding and inter-operability between the two navies, prosecute vessels involved in unlawful activities, conduct search-and-rescue operations and take measures against sea pollution.

"Defence relations between India and Indonesia have been growing steadily with regular joint activities and interactions between the armed forces of the two countries. These interactions will provide opportunities for extensive operational and training engagements and contribute substantively to the maintenance of good order at sea," an Indian Navy statement said.

As part of the Indian government's programme SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), the Indian Navy has been involved in assisting countries in the Indian Ocean Region with EEZ surveillance, search and rescue and other capability enhancement activities.

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