MILITARY

The fifth edition of India – Japan Maritime Bilateral Exercise, JIMEX, between the Indian Navy (IN) and the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF), will be held in Arabian Sea from 06 to 08 October 2021. JIMEX series of exercises commenced in January 2012 with special focus on maritime security cooperation. The last edition of JIMEX was conducted in September 2020.

            Indigenously built Guided Missile Stealth Destroyer Kochi and Guided Missile Frigate Teg, under the command of Rear Admiral Ajay Kochhar, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet, will represent the Indian Navy. The Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force will be represented by JMSDF ships Kaga, an Izumo Class Helicopter Carrier and Murasame, a Guided Missile Destroyer, led by Rear Admiral IkeuchiIzuru, Commander Escort Flotila – 3  (CCF-3). In addition to ships, P8I Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft, integral helicopters and MiG 29K fighter aircraft will also participate in the exercise.

JIMEX-21 aims to develop common understanding of operational procedures and enhance inter-operability through conduct of a multitude of advanced exercises, across the entire spectrum of maritime operations. Multi-faceted tactical exercises involving weapon firings, cross-deck helicopter operations and complex surface, anti-submarine and air warfare drills will consolidate coordination developed by the two navies.

            Naval cooperation between India and Japan has increased in scope and complexity over years. JIMEX-21 will further enhance the cooperation and mutual confidence between the two navies and fortify the long-standing bond of friendship between the two countries. 

Bangladesh Naval Ship (BNS) Somudra Avijan arrived Visakhapatnam on a five-day visit to the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) on 03 October 2021. This visit by the Bangladesh Navy is to commemorate together the birth centenary of father of the nation, Bandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Swarnim Vijay Varsh marking the 50th anniversary of 1971 Indo-Pak war, which led to liberation of Bangladesh. The officers and crew of BNS Somudra Avijan were accorded a traditional welcome by the representatives of the ENC and the Eastern Fleet, with the navy band in attendance. 

A series of activities are scheduled between the two navies including professional interactions, cross deck visits, visit to INS Vishwakarma and INS Dega. In addition, screening of special documentary on the Bangladesh Navy and interaction with 1971 war veterans would be the major highlights of the visit. At the apex level, visiting delegation from High Commission of Bangladesh, New Delhi, led by His Excellency Mr Muhammad Imran, High Commissioner of Bangladesh, accompanied by Resident Defence Attache Bangladesh and the Commanding Officer of BNS Somudra Avijan, would interact with Vice Admiral AB Singh, AVSM, VSM Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief ENC and Rear Admiral Tarun Sobti, VSM Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet during the official calls.