INS Sahyadri, INS Kulish Join ADMM-Plus Maritime Security Drills
Indian Navy ships INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish participate in the 23rd ADMM-Plus maritime security exercises to boost regional interoperability.
In a significant move to bolster regional maritime stability, the Indian Navy's INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish have actively participated in the sea phase of the 23rd ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security Joint Cooperative Activity. Working alongside maritime forces from various participating nations, the Indian vessels engaged in a series of high-stakes coordinated operations designed to strengthen collective security at sea.
Advanced Maritime Operations Conducted
The sea phase of this multilateral engagement served as a rigorous testing ground for several critical naval capabilities. The exercises were aimed at enhancing coordination and interoperability among the diverse participating forces. The key operational components included:
- Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA): Enhancing the ability to monitor and understand activities in the maritime environment.
- Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR): Strengthening data collection and situational awareness.
- Maritime Interdiction Operations: Practicing the interception of vessels to enforce maritime security.
- Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS): Executing precision boarding maneuvers.
- Search and Rescue (SAR) Operations: Refining emergency response and life-saving protocols.
- Replenishment at Sea: Testing the ability to sustain operations through mid-ocean refueling and resupply.
- Cross-Deck Landings: Practicing aviation coordination between different naval assets.
Through these intensive multilateral engagements, the Indian Navy continues to demonstrate its commitment to maintaining secure and open maritime corridors.
Global Presence: INS Sudarshini Reaches Egypt
While the ADMM-Plus exercises highlight India's strategic maritime cooperation, the Indian Navy's global footprint is further evidenced by the progress of the Lokayan 26 transoceanic expedition. The sail training ship INS Sudarshini recently arrived at the historic port of Alexandria, Egypt.
A Long-Range Expeditionary Journey
The arrival in Alexandria marks the ship's second visit to the Egyptian port during its ambitious 10-month journey. Key details of this expedition include:
- Origin: The voyage commenced from Kochi on January 20.
- Scale: The ship is set to cover approximately 22,000 nautical miles.
- Scope: The expedition involves visits to 18 ports across 13 different countries.
During the Mediterranean passage, trainees have been immersed in practical learning, gaining hands-on experience in long-range ocean navigation, traditional seamanship, sail handling, and open-sea maneuvering.
Strengthening India-Egypt Maritime Ties
Upon its arrival in Alexandria, INS Sudarshini was formally received by Rear Admiral Mohamed Abdel Aziz, Commander of the Alexandria Naval Base, alongside representatives from the Indian Embassy. The scheduled port call is expected to foster deeper bilateral relations through:
- Professional exchanges with the Egyptian Navy.
- Cross-deck visits between naval assets.
- Official courtesy calls and professional interactions.
These activities are designed to strengthen the maritime bonds between India and Egypt while providing invaluable training for the next generation of naval officers.