Exercise Samudra Shakti is a significant bilateral naval exercise that represents the growing strategic partnership between India and Indonesia. Launched in 2018, this exercise has been designed to enhance mutual understanding and interoperability between the navies of the two countries. It encompasses comprehensive maritime activities divided into two distinct phases: the harbour phase and the sea phase. These phases are meticulously planned to facilitate the sharing of best practices and reinforce cooperative engagement in the maritime domain.
Background of Exercise Samudra Shakti
The inception of Exercise Samudra Shakti can be traced back to the shared vision of India and Indonesia to bolster their maritime relationship. As part of their commitment to ensuring regional security and fostering bilateral ties, the exercise was initiated to provide a platform for both navies to collaborate closely. The collaboration aims at enhancing the maritime capabilities of both nations and ensuring peace and stability in the region.
Objectives of the Exercise
The primary objective of Exercise Samudra Shakti is to strengthen the interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Indonesian Navy. This interoperability is crucial for the execution of combined naval operations and humanitarian missions. Furthermore, the exercise serves as an opportunity for personnel from both navies to exchange skills and best practices, which is vital for enhancing their professional competence and understanding of each other’s naval procedures.
Phases of Exercise Samudra Shakti
The exercise is structured into two phases to maximize the training and interaction opportunities for both navies. The harbour phase involves planning and briefing on various activities, including professional interactions, seminars, and social events. These engagements focus on building camaraderie and understanding among the participating members. The sea phase, on the other hand, is action-oriented, with a series of naval maneuvers, surface warfare exercises, air defense exercises, and weapon firings. This phase allows the two navies to operate in consonance and test their operational readiness in a dynamic maritime environment.
Indian Navy’s Participation
The Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet has been proactive in engaging with its Indonesian counterpart through Exercise Samudra Shakti. Four warships from the fleet are deployed for a two-month overseas mission that encompasses not only the bilateral exercise but also various other naval engagements across South East Asia, the South China Sea, and the Western Pacific. This deployment underscores India’s commitment to acting as a net security provider in the Indo-Pacific region and reflects the ‘Act East’ policy, which seeks to strengthen relations with ASEAN countries.
Strategic Significance
The strategic significance of Exercise Samudra Shakti lies in its potential to foster a secure and stable maritime environment in the Indo-Pacific region. By enhancing naval cooperation, India and Indonesia contribute to the safety and security of vital sea lanes and choke points. The exercise demonstrates the shared commitment of both nations to address maritime challenges and threats, thereby contributing to regional peace and security.
Future Prospects
The continued conduct of Exercise Samudra Shakti is expected to pave the way for greater maritime cooperation between India and Indonesia. With each iteration, the complexities of the exercises are anticipated to increase, thereby providing a more robust framework for both navies to test their tactical and operational skills. The future editions of the exercise may include more advanced drills, joint patrols, and coordinated operations, all aimed at elevating the level of coordination and partnership between the two strategic allies.
