In pursuance of India’s ‘Act East’ policy, Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri, Shivalik, Jyoti and Kamorta are on an overseas deployment to the South East Asia and Southern Indian Ocean under the command of Rear Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta, YSM, VSM, the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet.

Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri and Kamorta are on a port visit to Singapore from May 12 to 21, 2017, during which the ships will participate in the International Maritime Review and IMDEX-17. Admiral Sunil Lanba, the Chief of Naval Staff, Indian Navy would also be attending the events ashore. During the port visit, various calls by the visiting Fleet would be organised in addition to those scheduled as part of IMR and IMDEX-17. Thereafter the four Indian Naval Ships and an Indian Navy Long Range Maritime Patrol and Anti-Submarine Warfare aircraft P-8I would exercise with the RSN and RSAF as part of SIMBEX-17. Held since 1994, this year would be the 24th edition of the annual maritime bilateral exercise between the two countries which aims to further cement the defence cooperation between the two countries.

The two countries share a rich history and a strategic relationship. A number of bilateral agreements exist between the two countries in various spheres. The visit of the Indian Naval ships seeks to underscore India’s peaceful presence and solidarity with friendly and harmonious countries towards ensuring good order in the maritime domain. In addition, as part of the Indian Government’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), the Indian Navy has also been involved in assisting countries in the Indian Ocean Region with EEZ surveillance, search and rescue, and other capacity-building and capability-enhancement activities. The current deployment will contribute towards the Indian Navy’s efforts to consolidate inter-operability and forge strong bonds of friendship across the seas.