The 2nd Edition of SITMEX-20 – A Trilateral Naval Exercise between Indian Navy, Royal Thai Navy (RTN) & Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) took place from November 21-22, 2020 at the Andaman Sea. The 2020 Edition was hosted by RSN.1st Edition of SITMEX-19 was hosted by India in Port Blair in 2019.
Objective:
They are conducted to enhance mutual interoperability and to incorporate best practices between Indian Navy, RSN & RTN.
Key Points:
i.The drill witnessed three navies participating in a variety of exercises which included manoeuvres, surface warfare exercises and weapon firings.
ii.It aims to strengthen mutual confidence and develop common understanding to enhance maritime security in the region.
iii.The exercise was conducted only as a ‘non-contact, at sea only’ format due to COVID-19.
iv.The First Edition of SITMEX took place at Port Blair in September 2019, it was hosted by Indian Navy.
Navy Vessels involved in SITMEX:
i.The Indian Navy deployed indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare corvette INS Kamorta and Missile Corvette INS Karmuk for the exercise.
ii.RSN deployed ‘Formidable’ Class frigate ‘Intrepid’ and ‘Endurance’ class Landing Ship Tank ‘Endeavour’ and the
iii.RTN deployed a ‘Chao Phraya’ Class frigate ‘Kraburi’ for the exercise.
Upcoming Drills:
27th edition of India-Singapore Bilateral Maritime Exercise SIMBEX-20 is scheduled to be held in the Andaman Sea from November 23 to 25.
Recent Related News:
i.On September 23-24, 2020, Indian Navy conducted a two-day long Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with Royal Australian Navy (RAN) in the East Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
About Indian Navy:
Chief of Naval Staff (CNS)– Admiral Karambir Singh
Integrated Headquarters of Ministry of Defence (Navy)– New Delhi
About Singapore:
Prime Minister – Lee Hsien Loong
Currency– Singapore Dollar(SGD)
President– Halimah Yacob
About Thailand:
Prime Minister – Prayuth Chan-ocha
Currency – Thai Baht (THB)
Capital – Bangkok
