SITMEX is a trilateral naval exercise between India, Thailand and Singapore. SITMEX stands for Singapore-India-Thailand maritime exercises. SITMEX has been held since the year 2019.
Highlights
SITMEX21 was held in the Andaman Sea. Khamrosin, a class of anti-submarine patrol boats from Thailand, participated in the exercise. The Singapore Navy’s Formidable-class frigate RSS Tenacious also participated in the exercise. INS Karmuk missile corvette represented the Indian Navy in this exercise. Several tactical drainage trainings were conducted during the exercise.
Importance of this exercise
SITMEX helps countries secure the Indian Ocean Territory. In addition, exercises will help secure sea routes for communication. There are three main routes in the Indian Ocean Territory. Over 75% of the world’s maritime trade is through these channels. The first is the route connecting the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. The second is the route connecting the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf. The third is the route connecting the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean via the Straits of Malacca.
SITMEX and Disaster Management
During SITMEX, the Navy will also provide disaster management relief measures, especially tsunami training. The United Nations created a tsunami warning and containment system for the Indian Ocean in the year 2005 and was created after the tsunami which occurred in the year 2004. The international network is trying to prevent similar devastation from happening again. Training during the exercises will help countries work in such international networks in the event of a disaster. This will improve the efficiency of international operations in the event of a disaster.
