INS Talwar Arrives in South Africa to Participate in IBSAMAR VIII Joint Naval Exercise

The Indian Navy’s frontline stealth frigate, INS Talwar, arrived at Simon’s Town, South Africa, on 06 October 2024 to participate in the eighth edition of IBSAMAR, a joint multinational maritime exercise. The exercise involves the navies of India, Brazil, and South Africa and is scheduled to take place from 06 to 18 October 2024.

Objective of IBSAMAR VIII

The main aim of the IBSAMAR exercise is to:

• Enhance interoperability between the three participating navies.
• Strengthen naval cohesion for improved collaborative operations.
• The exercise is based on Blue Water Naval Warfare, with a focus on both Surface Warfare and Anti-Air Warfare operations.

Activities during IBSAMAR VIII

The exercise will be divided into two main phases:

1. Harbour Phase: This phase will focus on several activities, including:
   • Professional exchanges
   • Damage Control & Firefighting drills
   • Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) drills
   • Cross-boarding and joint diving operations
   • Aviation safety lectures
   • A seminar on Ocean Governance
   • Sports interactions, cross-deck visits, and meetings among Special Forces and Junior Officers
2. Sea Phase:
   • This will involve operational drills and warfare simulations aimed at enhancing combat readiness and naval coordination.

Importance of Multilateral Interactions

Multilateral naval interactions such as IBSAMAR are key to building bridges of friendship and mutual trust among participating nations. These exercises help in achieving a peaceful maritime domain by improving collaboration and increasing readiness to handle potential maritime challenges.

Defence Cooperation Between India and South Africa

The defence relationship between India and South Africa has been growing stronger. Some key developments include:

• Operational Sea Training and Submarine Rescue Support operations were initiated between the two navies.
• The 12th Navy-to-Navy talks were held in New Delhi from 26-28 August 2024, further expanding their naval cooperation.

The visit of INS Talwar to South Africa aims to solidify this collaboration and reaffirm India’s commitment to joint naval growth and strategic cooperation.

Background of INS Talwar

• INS Talwar was commissioned on 18 June 2003.
• It is part of the Western Fleet of the Indian Navy, based in Mumbai, under the Western Naval Command.
• The frigate is currently commanded by Captain Jithu George.

Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):

1. What is the main objective of the IBSAMAR VIII exercise?
   a) To showcase naval technology
   b) To promote cultural exchange
   c) To enhance interoperability and strengthen cohesion between the Indian, Brazilian, and South African navies
   d) To focus on humanitarian missions
   Answer: c) To enhance interoperability and strengthen cohesion between the Indian, Brazilian, and South African navies
2. Which country is hosting the eighth edition of IBSAMAR in 2024?
   a) India
   b) Brazil
   c) South Africa
   d) Australia
   Answer: c) South Africa
3. What kind of warfare does the IBSAMAR exercise focus on?
   a) Submarine Warfare
   b) Cyber Warfare
   c) Surface and Anti-Air Warfare
   d) Asymmetric Warfare
   Answer: c) Surface and Anti-Air Warfare
4. Which of the following is NOT included in the Harbour Phase of IBSAMAR VIII?
   a) Professional exchanges
   b) Joint diving operations
   c) Submarine warfare drills
   d) Aviation safety lectures
   Answer: c) Submarine warfare drills
5. When was INS Talwar commissioned into the Indian Navy?
   a) 18 June 2003
   b) 15 August 2000
   c) 12 September 1999
   d) 26 January 2004
   Answer: a) 18 June 2003
6. Who is currently commanding INS Talwar during IBSAMAR VIII?
   a) Captain Rajiv Menon
   b) Captain Arun Prakash
   c) Captain Jithu George
   d) Captain Mohan Kumar
   Answer: c) Captain Jithu George