In news

The 2nd edition of India, Singapore and Thailand Trilateral Maritime Exercise SITMEX-20 was conducted in the Andaman Sea.

Aim

To strengthen mutual confidence and develop common understanding and procedures towards enhancing the overall maritime security in the region.

Participants 

• Indian naval ships, including indigenously-built anti-submarine warfare corvette Kamorta and missile corvette Karmuk, are participating.
• The three navies participate in a variety of exercises including naval manoeuvres, surface warfare exercises and weapon firings.

Details

• The first edition of SITMEX, hosted by Indian Navy, was conducted off Port Blair in September 2019.
• The SITMEX series of exercises are conducted to enhance mutual inter-operability and imbibing best practices between Indian Navy, Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and Royal Thai Navy (RTN).
• The 2020 edition of the exercise is being hosted by RSN.
• The exercise, conducted as a ‘non-contact, at sea only’ exercise in view of COVID-19 pandemic, highlighted growing synergy, coordination and cooperation in the maritime domain between the three friendly navies and maritime neighbors.

Source: PIB