Exercise Bongosagar, the bilateral naval exercise between India and Bangladesh, is a noteworthy military event that grabs attention in the international defense circle. The second edition is slated to kick off in the Northern Bay of Bengal on 3rd October 2020.
The inaugural edition of this exercise was conducted in 2019 with the primary aim of bolstering interoperability and joint operational skill enhancement through a wide range of maritime drills and operations.
Participation and Activities
The exercise will see the participation of naval forces from both India and Bangladesh. Participants will include numerous naval ships from both nations, along with maritime patrol aircraft and helicopters.
The Bongosagar will be followed by the 3rd installment of the India-Bangladesh Coordinated Patrol (IN-BN CORPAT). This subsequent exercise includes the two countries executing joint patrolling along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).
The Importance of CORPATs
Coordinated Patrolling or CORPATs are instrumental in enhancing mutual understanding between the navies of India and Bangladesh. These initiatives have been successful in instating preventive measures to tackle unlawful activities in the maritime region.
The Strategic Significance of the Exercise
The conduction of such an exercise highlights the priority assigned by the Indian Navy to its Bangladeshi counterpart, embodying the spirit of SAGAR (Security And Growth for all in the Region) Vision.
Greater Significance on Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s 100th Birth Anniversary
The significance of this year’s Bongosagar exercise is amplified as it coincides with Mujib Barsho, the 100th birth anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding leader of Bangladesh, fondly referred to as the ‘Father of the Nation’.
Strengthening of India-Bangladesh Relations
The exercise Bongosagar is not merely a military drill, but it stands as a testament to the close and enduring relations between India and Bangladesh. These relations transcend conventional diplomacy and encompass a wide array of activities and interactions.
India and Bangladesh are closely bound by shared cultural bonds and a common vision of a democratic society moderated by a rules-based order. This bilateral naval exercise further reinforces this bond, testifying the strong relationship between the two countries.