India, Singapore To Hold 32nd Edition Of SIMBEX Naval Exercise
The 32nd edition of SIMBEX is to be held in late July. Image courtesy: PIB
The Indian Navy is set to take part in the 32nd edition of SIMBEX, its annual bilateral maritime exercise with Singapore, later this month. Held in Singapore, the exercise aims to deepen naval cooperation and enhance interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy.
SIMBEX, which began as Exercise Lion King, is one of the longest-running uninterrupted bilateral drills for India. It comes at a time of growing strategic alignment between the two nations in the Indo-Pacific, as both look to strengthen maritime security in a region increasingly threatened by piracy and non-state actors.
How does SIMBEX support India’s regional maritime vision?
India’s High Commissioner to Singapore, Shilpak Ambule, said the exercise directly contributes to India’s Vision SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and Act East policy. “The exercise supports India’s Vision SAGAR and Act East policy, focused on regional cooperation and maritime security,” he said. Ambule emphasised the need for “joint efforts in maritime safety” to protect trade routes and respond to emerging threats at sea.
He also drew attention to recent high-risk operations carried out by the Indian Navy in the Arabian Sea, saying, “the recent complex HARD and SAR operations that the Indian Navy has actively steered and very successfully concluded in the Arabian Sea have been internationally appreciated.”
What role has ASEAN played in shaping India’s naval outreach?
India has placed a growing emphasis on deepening ties with ASEAN countries. Ambule highlighted the success of the inaugural ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise held in 2023, co-hosted by Singapore. He said the exercise “holds testimony to the earnest efforts that promoted jointness and shared learning,” reflecting India’s intention to play a larger role in the security architecture of Southeast Asia.
Which Indian ships are participating in SIMBEX?
Four Indian naval ships have already arrived in Singapore for the exercise: INS Delhi, INS Satpura, INS Kiltan, and INS Shakti. All are indigenously built and designed for contemporary naval warfare. They are being led by Rear Admiral Susheel Menon, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet.
The vessels were welcomed by personnel from the Republic of Singapore Navy and officials from the High Commission of India in Singapore, marking the start of what is expected to be a multi-day exercise involving complex drills and operational exchanges.
