In a remarkable display of naval camaraderie and cooperation, the Indian Navy’s pride, INS Sahyadri and INS Kolkata, have docked at Jakarta to partake in a bilateral maritime exercise alongside the Indonesian Naval Forces. The warm reception by the Indonesian Navy signifies the significance of this engagement, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation and understanding.
As part of the bilateral exercise, an extensive program of professional interactions, joint yoga sessions, sports events, and cross-deck visits has been organized. These activities seek to foster a strong bond between the Indian and Indonesian navies, augmenting the level of interoperability they have attained through previous missions in the Middle East.
Notably, the two ships, INS Sahyadri and INS Kolkata, have also recently participated in the Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) at sea with the Indonesian Navy, further solidifying their high level of interoperability in the region.
Prior to this engagement, the Indian and Indonesian naval forces conducted a successful bilateral exercise named Samudra Shakti 2023 in the South China Sea. During this exercise, INS Kavaratti, an Anti Submarine Warfare corvette equipped with a Chetak helicopter and a Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft, actively participated along with the Indonesian Navy’s assets, including KRI Sultan Iskandar Muda with a Panther helicopter and a CN 235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft. The exercises encompassed tactical maneuvers, weapon firings, helicopter operations, as well as air defense and anti-submarine warfare exercises, further enhancing the seamless coordination between the two navies.
INS Sahyadri, representing the Project-17 class, and INS Kolkata, as the inaugural Project-15A class stealth destroyer, exemplify India’s indigenous prowess in naval engineering and construction. Both these exemplary vessels were crafted at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai, showcasing the nation’s commitment to self-reliance and technological excellence.
It is worth mentioning that the Indian Navy’s motto is “Sham No Varunah,” reflecting its dedication to safeguarding the seas and maintaining peace and security across maritime boundaries. As INS Sahyadri and INS Kolkata participate in the bilateral maritime exercise with their Indonesian counterparts, they uphold this motto, strengthening ties and building trust for a secure and harmonious South-Eastern Indian Ocean Region.