Indian Navy (IN) hosted the 27th edition of India – Singapore Bilateral Maritime Exercise SIMBEX-20 from 23 to 25 November 2020 in Andaman Sea in a “non-contact, at sea only” format amid COVID-19. It is an annual exercise between Indian Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).
- The Indian Navy was represented by INS (Indian Naval Ship) Rana with its integral Chetak helicopter in addition to INS Kamorta, INS Karmuk, Submarine INS Sindhuraj and P8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft.
- The RSN was represented by Formidable-class stealth frigates RSS Intrepid and RSS Steadfast along with integral S70B helicopter as well as Endurance-class landing platform dock ship RSS Endeavour.
Focus of SIMBEX 2020:
It was focused towards intensive joint operations showcasing a high degree of mutual trust, confidence, synergy and cooperation in the maritime domain. In this regard, the advanced surfaces and anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare as well as live weapon firing took place.
About India-Singapore Bilateral Maritime Exercise (SIMBEX):
Initiated in 1994, it is aimed at enhancing the high level of coordination and mutual inter-operability between the two countries in the maritime domain for strengthening maritime security in the region. It also highlights the India-Singapore commitment to a rule-based international order.
Point to be noted:
–Bold Kurukshetra is a joint military exercise between India and Singapore.
Recent Related News:
i.Singapore became the World’s First Country to attach Facial verification in the National Identification Database. The function is called “SingPass Face Verification”. Using “SingPass Face Verification” a number of Government services can be accessed online.
ii.Indian Navy (IN) initiated a 8th Edition of annual Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) bilateral maritime exercise SLINEX-20 from October 19-21 October 2020 off Trincomalee in Sri Lanka. The exercise is being conducted in a non-contact ‘at-sea-only’ format amid COVID-19.
About Singapore:
Prime Minister (PM) – Lee Hsien Loong
Currency – Singapore Dollar (SGD)
