Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) is a multilateral event conducted by Indian Navy in which naval forces of foreign countries participate. This exercise is conducted as part of the Indian Navy's ongoing efforts to enhance its operational capabilities and strengthen its partnerships with friendly nations. MPX underscores India's commitment to promoting regional stability and security.
As on 31 October 2022, Indian Navy has engaged in 47 Maritime Partnership Exercises with navies of 28 countries - Algeria, Australia, Brazil, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Madagascar, Malaysia, Malta, Morocco, Myanmar, Nigeria, Oman, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo and USA. [1]
The activities and drills during the exercise are designed to provide a comprehensive training experience for naval personnel, covering a broad spectrum of skills and competencies. The exercise is aimed to enhance the readiness and preparedness of naval forces, enabling them to respond effectively to a range of operational scenarios. The inclusion of multiple tough maritime situations ensures that participants are exposed to a variety of challenges, enabling them to develop their skills and knowledge in a dynamic and engaging environment.
Aiming to enhance the interoperability and cooperation between the three nations' naval forces as well as to strengthen their maritime security capabilities, this exercise is seen as a significant step towards promoting regional stability and security in the Gulf of Oman, which is a crucial maritime route for global trade. [2]
The inaugural India, France, and UAE Maritime Partnership Exercise was launched on 7 June 2023, in the Gulf of Oman. The exercise involved the participation of INS Tarkash and French Ship Surcouf, both equipped with integral helicopters, French Rafale aircraft, and UAE Navy Dash-8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft. The two-day event encompassed a diverse range of naval operations, including Surface Warfare, which entailed tactical firing and drills for Missile engagements on surface targets, Helicopter Cross Deck Landing Operations, Advanced Air Defence Exercise, and Boarding operations. Additionally, the exercise incorporated cross embarkation of personnel to facilitate the exchange of best practices. [2] [3]
Royal Australian Navy (RAN) ships HMAS Adelaide along with HMAS Anzac participated in Maritime Partnership Exercise held in the Bay of Bengal during 2-3 November 2022, with the Indian Navy Ships Jalashwa and Kavaratti, including their embarked helicopters. The tactical manoeuvres, helicopter landings, and amphibious operations incorporated in the training exercises demonstrated the significant level of interoperability between the two navies. [4] [5]
During its deployment in the Persian Gulf, INS Kochi visited Manama in Bahrain to participate in a four-day Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX). In preparation for the exercise, a coordination and operational planning conference was held between the Indian Navy and Bahraini Navy teams. The MPX took place on 18 August 2021, and involved joint naval operations between the two navies. This exercise is a testament to the strong partnership and cooperation between India and Bahrain in the maritime domain, and serves to enhance the interoperability and readiness of both navies. [6] [7]
The INS Tabar recently engaged in a maritime partnership exercise with the ENS Alexandria, a frontline frigate of the Egyptian Navy, in the Mediterranean Sea on 5 September 2021. The training regimen encompassed a range of activities, such as practicing maneuvers in an environment with uneven threats, executing operations to intercept suspicious vessels on the open sea, refining communication protocols, collaborating on the creation of a comprehensive maritime domain picture, and conducting exercises for replenishing supplies while at sea. This exercise was conducted to enhance cooperation and interoperability between the two navies. [8]
India and France are both maritime nations that possess thriving maritime economies, encompassing diverse sectors such as marine technology, scientific research, fisheries, ports, shipping etc. [9]
The INS Tarkash, a guided-missile frigate of the Indian Navy, recently undertook a long-range overseas deployment and engaged in a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with French Navy Fleet Tanker Somme in the North Atlantic Ocean on July 29 and 30. Subsequently, collaborative aerial maneuvers were conducted, wherein the Falcon 50 maritime surveillance aircraft was involved in numerous simulated missile confrontations and air defense exercises. The MPX served as an opportunity for both navies to exchange best practices and enhance their interoperability in a challenging maritime environment. [10] [11]
The exercise conducted in the Arabian Sea on March 10 and 11 had India's indigenously built INS Sahyadri, a guided missile frigate, engaging alongside French Navy ships the FS Dixmude, a Mistral Class Amphibious Assault Ship, and the FS La Fayette, a La Fayette Class Frigate. The event served as an opportunity for both navies to enhance their interoperability and strengthen their maritime capabilities through joint training and exercises. [12] [13]
On 30 June, the Bay of Bengal witnessed a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) between the French Navy ship FS Surcouf and two Indian naval vessels, INS Rana and INS Sumedha. The drill encompassed a range of activities, including professional and social engagements, athletic competitions, and cross-deck visits along with training exercises involving a range of strategic manoeuvres. [14]
India and Indonesia have recently upgraded their bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which encompasses the joint effort to combat cross-border terrorism. Additionally, the two nations have entered into 15 agreements, including one aimed at enhancing defence cooperation, and have expressed their support for the freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region, which is of strategic importance. This development is indicative of the growing significance of the relationship between India and Indonesia, and highlights their shared commitment to promoting regional stability and security. [15]
Indigenously designed and built Project-17 class stealth frigate INS Sahyadri and INS Kolkata, the first indigenously designed and built stealth destroyer of the Project-15A class reached Jakarta for MPX in July. The two navies participate in a diverse array of professional engagements, including joint yoga sessions, sports competitions, and cross-deck visits, with the objective of enhancing mutual cooperation and understanding. [16]
On 4 and 5 July 2021, the INS Tabar, Talwar-class stealth Frigate engaged in a Maritime Partnership Exercise with the ITS Antonio Marceglia (F 597), a frontline frigate of the Italian Navy, in the Tyrrhenian Sea. The drill encompassed a diverse array of naval maneuvers, comprising air defense protocols, replenishment procedures while at sea, communication exercises, and cross-deck helicopter operations conducted both during daylight hours and at night. [17]
The exercise proved to be advantageous for navies of both countries involved, as it contributed to the improvement of interoperability and the strengthening of joint efforts aimed at countering potential dangers in the maritime domain. [18]
The escalating presence of China in the Indian Ocean, which is regarded as the Indian Navy's domain, has raised significant apprehensions. In order to strengthen their maritime ties, the two nations have been conducting frequent maneuvers in the Indian Ocean Region. [19] The Indian Navy and Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) have been engaging in close collaboration across multiple domains, thereby assuming a pivotal role in safeguarding the security of international maritime commerce and striving towards the preservation of global commons. [20]
INS Shivalik and INS Kadmatt undertook MPX with JMSDF Ships JS Uraga and JS Hirado in the Bay of Bengal on 13 January 2022. The two vessels belonging to Minesweeper Division One of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force are currently deployed in the Indian Ocean Region. The entirety of the activity was organized and executed in a manner that did not involve physical contact, thus complying with the COVID-19 safety regulations. [21] [22]
On 23 July 2022, a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) was carried out in the Andaman Sea between the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force and the Indian Navy. The operational interaction involved the participation of INS Sukanya - an offshore patrol vessel, and JS Samidare - a Murasame class destroyer. Both engaged in a range of exercises, including seamanship activities, aircraft operations, and tactical manoeuvres. [19] [23]
On 11 March 2023, the INS Sahyadri, a Shivalik-class stealth multi-role frigate exercised with JS Suzutsuki, an Akizuki-class destroyer in the Arabian Sea. With the objective of reinforcing their mutual dedication to regional and global security concerns, the exercise featured cross-deck landings executed by integral helicopters, tactical maneuvers, and a customary steampast by the vessels of both navies. This exercise highlighted the robust naval connections and the exceptional degree of interoperability between the two nations within the maritime sphere. [19] [20] [24]
On 20 June 2023, INS Sunayna visited Mombasa, Kenya for MPX. The Indian and Kenyan naval crews engaged in a series of exercises, including firefighting and damage control, boarding maneuvers, and simulations of asymmetric threats. [25]
India and Malaysia enjoy a strong and enduring relationship, underpinned by robust people-to-people ties, a shared history, and well-established trade links. A key component of the bilateral cooperation between the two nations is their collaboration in the areas of defence and security. This partnership is characterized by regular exchanges between their respective armed forces, which serve to strengthen their mutual understanding and enhance their collective capabilities.[ citation needed ]
On 27 August 2022, INS Sumedha, as a part of the Indian Navy's long-range operational deployment, visited Port Klang in Malaysia. The objective was to bolster the bilateral relations and augment the maritime collaboration and interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN). The crew of INS Sumedha participated in professional interactions, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE), cross-deck visits etc. [26]
INS Tabar, as part of her overseas deployment visited Casablanca in Morocco on 25 Aug 2021. It engaged in MPX alongside the Royal Moroccan Navy's Descubierta class 'Lieutenant Colonel Errhamani'. The exercise encompassed various activities, including communication drills, replenishment at sea procedures, and naval manoeuvres. The exercise culminated in the customary 'Steam Past' between the two ships, symbolizing a farewell gesture. [27] [28]
The Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman participate in various avenues of foreign cooperation, including operations, training, and the exchange of Subject Matter Experts across diverse fields. INS Visakhapatnam, a Guided Missile Destroyer that has been designed and constructed indigenously in India, arrived in Oman on 30 July to participate in the MPX which commenced on 3 August 2023. [29]
The Indian Navy and Sudanese Navy conducted MPX in the Red Sea, situated along the coast of Sudan. INS Tabar engaged with Sudanese Navy ships- Almazz and Nimer during the first episode of a collaborative maritime exercise between the two navies on 10 September 2021. The exercise encompassed a diverse array of naval operations, comprising coordinated manoeuvring, replenishment at sea drills, helo operations, interdiction of suspect vessels at sea, and communication procedures. [30]
India and United Arab Emirates aims to enhance the collaboration between the two Navies to effectively address shared challenges such as piracy, smuggling, and human trafficking, while also strengthening maritime security and conducting joint operations for Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief. [31]
INS Visakhapatnam - one of the largest operational Destroyer in Indian Navy and INS Trikand -an advance stealth frigate carried out MPX in August with UAE Naval Forces ships Baynunah and AlFutaisi in Dubai. The objective was to augment the interoperability and synergy of the two naval forces through mutual training on tactics, techniques, and procedures, while concurrently fostering stronger professional relationships. [32]
In March 2024, maintenance of RFA Argus and RFA Lyme Bay was undertaken at the Larsen & Toubro's Kattupalli Shipyard in India. The ships were escorted by HMS Diamond, had transited through the Red Sea to reach India. [33] [34] In April 2024, LRG(S) participated in Maritime Partnership Exercise with Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet in the Indian Ocean. The exercise included stealth frigate INS Sahyadri. The tasks conducted in the exercise included "Tactical manoeuvres, boarding ops, surface engagement against simulated asymmetric threats, cross deck visits & cross deck helo ops." [35] [36]
RFA Argus is a ship of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary operated by the Ministry of Defence under the Blue Ensign. Italian-built, Argus was formerly the container ship MVContender Bezant. The ship was requisitioned in 1982 for service in the Falklands War and purchased outright in 1984 for a four-year conversion to an Aviation Training Ship, replacing RFA Engadine. In 1991, during the Gulf War, she was fitted with an extensive and fully functional hospital to assume the additional role of Primary Casualty Receiving Ship. In 2009, the PCRS role became the ship's primary function. Argus is due to remain in service beyond 2030. In July 2022 it was reported that the future Littoral Strike Role would be assumed by Argus after a refit to convert her to this role. As of October 2023, Argus had started her deployment to serve as part of Littoral Response Group (South) based out of the UK Joint Logistics Support Base in Oman.
RFA Lyme Bay is a Bay-class auxiliary dock landing ship of the British Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA). Ordered from Swan Hunter in 2000, the ship was launched in 2005. However, cost overruns and delays saw the shipbuilder removed from the project, and the incomplete ship was towed to Govan for finishing by BAE Systems Naval Ships. Lyme Bay entered service in late 2007; the last ship of the class to join the RFA.
The Indian Navy is the maritime branch of the Indian Armed Forces. The President of India is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Navy. The Chief of Naval Staff, a four-star admiral, commands the navy. As a blue-water navy, it operates significantly in the Persian Gulf Region, the Horn of Africa, the Strait of Malacca, and routinely conducts anti-piracy operations and partners with other navies in the region. It also conducts routine two to three month-long deployments in the South and East China seas as well as in the western Mediterranean sea simultaneously.
INS Rana is a Rajput-class destroyer in active service with the Indian Navy. She was commissioned on 28 June 1982.
INS Tabar (F44) is the third of the Talwar-class frigate of the Indian Navy. The frigate was commissioned on 19 April 2004 in Kaliningrad, Russia with Captain Biswajit Dasgupta. The current Commanding Officer (CO) of INS Tabar is Captain Mahesh Mangipudi.
The Shivalik class or Project 17 class is a class of multi-role frigates in service with the Indian Navy. They are the first warships designed with low observability features built in India. They were designed to have better stealth features and land-attack capabilities than the preceding Talwar-class frigates. A total of three ships were built between 2000 and 2010, and all three were in commission by 2012.
INS Shivalik (F47) is the lead ship of her class of stealth multi-role frigates built for the Indian Navy. She is the first stealth warship built by India. She was built at the Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) located in Mumbai. Construction of the vessel began in 2001 and was completed by 2009. She underwent sea trials from thereon before being commissioned on 29 April 2010.
The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) is a integrated tri-services command of the Indian Armed Forces, based at Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a Union Territory of India. It was created in 2001 to safeguard India's strategic interests in Southeast Asia and the Strait of Malacca by increasing rapid deployment of military assets in the region. It provides logistical and administrative support to naval ships which are sent on deployment to East Asia and the Pacific Ocean.
INS Sahyadri (F49) is a Shivalik-class stealth multi-role frigate built for the Indian Navy. This class features improved stealth and land attack capabilities over the preceding Talwar-class frigates.
India–Oman relations are foreign relations between the Republic of India and the Sultanate of Oman. India has an embassy in Muscat, Oman. During British rule in India, Bombay presidency controlled Oman for the British Empire. An Indian consulate was opened in Muscat in February 1955 which was upgraded to a consulate general in 1960 and later into a full-fledged embassy in 1971. The first ambassador of India arrived in Muscat in 1973. Oman established its embassy in New Delhi in 1972 and a consulate general in Mumbai in 1976. India and Oman have had trade and people-to-people ties for several millennia. Oman is home to a large Indian expatriate community and for Oman, India is an important trading partner. Politically, Oman has been supportive of India's bid for permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council.
INS Kulish is a Kora-class corvette, currently in active service with the Indian Navy. She was ordered in October 1994 and the keel was laid in October 1995. The ship was launched in August 1997 and was commissioned on 20 August 2001.
INS Karmuk is a Kora-class corvette, currently in active service with the Indian Navy.
INS Kochi (D64) is the second ship of the Kolkata-class stealth guided-missile destroyers built under the code name Project 15A for the Indian Navy. She was constructed by Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) in Mumbai. After undergoing extensive sea trials, she was commissioned to Indian Navy service on 30 September 2015.
INS Shakti (A57) is a Deepak-class fleet tanker in service with the Indian Navy. She was built by Fincantieri, an Italian shipbuilding company based in Trieste. She is the second and final ship of her class. Shakti, along with her predecessor Deepak, is one of the largest ships of the Indian Navy.
INS Jyoti (A58) is the third of four Komandarm Fedko-class replenishment oilers. She was modified for naval use and is now being operated by the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy. Jyoti was the largest ship in the navy until INS Vikramaditya (R33) was commissioned in November 2013. Its primary role is fleet replenishment and sustaining blue-water operations. It was later fitted with close-in weapon systems for self-defence.
Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) is an annual bilateral naval exercise conducted by the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).
Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise (TROPEX) is an inter-service military exercise involving the participation of the Indian Army, Air Force, Navy and the Coast Guard. The exercise generally commences at the beginning of each year and lasts a month. It is generally carried out in three phrases: independent workup phase, joint workup phase and tactical phase.
A Littoral Response Group (LRG) is a Royal Navy task group usually consisting of one or two amphibious warfare ships, a company of Royal Marines and supporting elements primarily tasked with amphibious warfare from the littoral areas. They were first deployed in 2020 and have been described by the Royal Navy as being more flexible and agile compared to previous amphibious task groups with an emphasis on forward-basing, precision strike capabilities, high mobility, modern command and control technology, networked autonomous systems and deception capabilities. Multiple LRGs can combine to form a more substantial Littoral Strike Group (LSG) and they can also join a UK Carrier Strike Group to form an Expeditionary Strike Force.
Rear Admiral Anil Jaggi is a serving Flag officer in the Indian Navy. He currently serves as the Flag Officer Commanding Gujarat Naval Area. He earlier served as the Naval adviser to the High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom at India House, London.
Indo-French 🇮🇳🇫🇷 naval cooperation ⚓ spans the seven seas. Here are the French Navy Fleet Tanker Somme @MarineNationale and @Indiannavy frigate INS Tarkash carrying out a joint exercise in the #Atlantic Ocean two days ago, including replenishment at sea and joint air operations