India and Indonesia conclude bilateral exercise ‘Samudra Shakti-23’ in South China Sea

India and Indonesia have wrapped up the fourth edition of bilateral naval exercise 'Samudra Shakti-23' which was carried out in the South China Sea.

The exercise's sea phase, which took place from May 17 to May 19, 2023, saw the involvement of a number of naval assets from both nations. India's Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) corvette INS Kavaratti, with integral Chetak helicopter and a Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft, joined forces with the Indonesian Navy's KRI Sultan Iskandar Muda, which included a Panther helicopter and a CN 235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft.

Together, they participated in a series of complex drills including tactical maneuvers, weapon firings, helicopter operations, air defense, and anti-submarine warfare. These exercises significantly enhanced the interoperability and coordination between the two naval forces.

Prior to the sea phase, a fruitful harbour phase, which was held from May 14 to May 16, allowed for beneficial professional interactions, tabletop exercises, and sporting activities. This set the stage for productive teamwork during the maritime exercises that followed.

Cross-deck visits, professional interactions, expert-to-expert discussions, and sports activities were all part of the exercise's harbour phase, while firing, chopper operations, anti-submarine warfare training, and boarding operations were part of the sea phase.

"The successful completion of Exercise Samudra Shakti-23, illustrated the strong partnership between India and Indonesia and reaffirmed the commitment of both navies to promote peace and stability in the region through cooperative engagements," the Ministry of Defence said on Saturday (May 20, 2023).