India, Japan navies completes 3-day JIMEX 2020 in Arabian Sea; Know More-

New Delhi, Sept 29: Enhancing cooperation and mutual confidence and fortifying the long-standing bond of friendship, the Indian Navy and the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) completed a three-day Japan India Maritime bilateral exercise JIMEX 2020 in the northern Arabian Sea on Monday.

 

 

Both the navies undertook weapon drills, seamanship evolutions, and advanced exercises on the second day of the fourth edition of India-Japan maritime bilateral exercise JIMEX between the Indian Navy and JMSDF, the Indian Navy stated. It was the 4th edition of the biennial India and Japan naval exercise JIMEX-20. The JIMEX series of exercises had started in January 2012 with a special focus on maritime security cooperation. The last edition of JIMEX was conducted in October 2018 off Visakhapatnam, India.

 

 

Earlier, the Indian Navy had asserted that JIMEX 20 will showcase a high degree of inter-operability and joint operational skills through the conduct of a multitude of advanced exercises, across the spectrum of maritime operations. Multi-faceted tactical exercises involving weapon firings, cross deck helicopter operations and complex surface, anti-submarine, and air warfare drills will consolidate coordination developed by the two navies.

 

 

From the Indian side, indigenously built stealth destroyer Chennai, Teg Class stealth frigate Tarkash and Fleet Tanker Deepak took part in the exercise as Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet, represented the Indian Navy. JMSDF was represented by JMSDF Ships Kaga, an Izumo Class Helicopter Destroyer, and Ikazuchi, a Guided Missile Destroyer, led by Rear Admiral Konno Yasushige, Commander Escort Flotilla – 2 (CCF - 2). In addition to ships, P8I Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft, integral helicopters and fighter aircraft also participated in the exercise.

 

Naval cooperation between India and Japan has increased in scope and complexity over the years. Advanced level of operations and exercises planned during JIMEX-20 are indicative of the continued upswing in Indo-Japanese defence relations and continued efforts by both governments to work closely for a more secure, open and inclusive global commons, in accordance with international regulations.