SIMBEX-20: India – Singapore Bilateral Maritime Exercise Begins Today

The 27th edition of the India – Singapore Bilateral Maritime Exercise called SIMBEX-20 will begin from November 23, 2020. It will be hosted by the India Navy in Andaman Sea.

Key Facts

• The maritime exercise will conclude on November 25, 2020.
• The 2020 edition of SIMBEX will be participated by destroyer Rana, integral Chetak helicopter and indigenously built corvettes Kamorta and Karmuk from the Indian Navy side.
• The 27th edition will also witness the participation of these two friendly navies in advanced surface, anti-air warfare and anti-submarine warfare exercises.
• The exercises include weapon firings and over three days of intensive joint operations at sea.

SIMBEX exercise

SIMBEX series of bilateral exercises between Indian Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy was started in the year 1994 and is conducted annually since then. The exercise is conducted with an aim to enhance the mutual inter-operability and sharing the best practices from both the countries.

Significance of the exercise

The scope and complexity of SIMBEX series of exercises has increased steadily in the past two decades. It includes advanced naval drills that covers a wide range of maritime operations. The exercise also highlights the degree of mutual trust and confidence. It also contributes for the synergy and cooperation in the maritime domain between both the friendly navies and maritime neighbors. The exercise further exemplify the high level of coordination and convergence of views between India and Singapore. It encourages both the countries to engage in maritime domain. It helps in enhancing the overall maritime security in the region. Lastly, the exercises highlight the commitment of both the countries for rules-based international order.