37th edition of India-Indonesia coordinated patrol

• Indian Naval Ship (INS) Khanjar, an indigenously built Missile Corvette along with Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft is undertaking coordinated patrol (CORPAT) with Indonesian Naval Ship KRI Sultan Thaha Syaifuddin, a Kapitan Patimura-Class Corvette, from 23 to 24 Nov 21.
• The 37th edition of CORPAT between India and Indonesia will also witness participation of Maritime Patrol Aircraft from both Nations.
• The exercise, is being conducted as a ‘non-contact, “at sea only” exercise in view of COVID-19 pandemic and highlights the mutual trust, synergy and cooperation between the two friendly Navies.

About CORPAT

• India and Indonesia have been carrying out Coordinated Patrols (CORPAT) along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) twice in a year since 2002.
• The aim of the exercise is keeping the vital part of the Indian Ocean Region safe and secure for commercial shipping, international trade and conduct of legitimate maritime activities.
• CORPATs help build understanding and interoperability between navies, and facilitate institution of measures to prevent and suppress Illegal Unreported Unregulated (IUU) fishing, drug trafficking, maritime terrorism, armed robbery and piracy.

SAGAR initiative

• As part of Government of India’s vision of SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region), Indian Navy has been proactively engaging with the countries in the Indian Ocean Region.
• India and Indonesia have traditionally enjoyed a close and friendly relationship covering a wide spectrum of activities and interactions, which have strengthened and institutionalised over the years.
• The Maritime interactions have been growing steadily between the two navies with frequent port visits, bilateral exercises and training exchanges.