Article Posted on : - Oct 10, 2024

INS Talwar in South Africa. (Photo: PIB)

NEW DELHI (BNS): Indian Navy’s frontline stealth frigate, INS Talwar, has arrived at Simon’s Town, South Africa, to participate in the eighth edition of IBSAMAR – a joint multinational maritime exercise involving the navies of India, Brazil and South African.

The trilateral maritime drill is scheduled from 06 to 18 October, 2024.

The exercise aims to enhance interoperability and strengthen cohesion between the three navies. The broad concept is based on ‘Blue Water Naval Warfare’, encompassing the dimensions of surface and anti-air warfare, the Defence Ministry said here in a statement.

The harbour phase of IBSAMAR VIII would include professional exchanges, damage control & Firefighting drills, cross-decks visits among other activities.

“Multi-lateral interactions are crucial bridges of friendship that increase mutual trust and enhance interoperability among navies of like-minded littoral nations towards the common goal of a peaceful maritime domain and positive maritime environment.” according to the MoD statement.

Defence cooperation between India and South Africa is on an upward trajectory. Operational Sea Training and Submarine Rescue Support have commenced between both navies since the 12th edition of Navy-to-Navy talks held on 26-28 August 2024 at New Delhi.

The visit of INS Talwar aims to further strengthen the ties and reaffirm India’s commitment to constructive collaboration and mutual growth, it said.

INS Talwar was commissioned on 18 June 2003 and is a part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet, based in Mumbai under the Western Naval Command. The ship is commanded by Captain Jithu George.