Exercise Simbex

Why is in news? Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise ‘Simbex’ – 2022

The Indian Navy is hosting the 29th edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) from 26 to 30 October, 2022 at Visakhapatnam.

SIMBEX-2022 is being conducted in two phases – Harbour Phase at Visakhapatnam from 26 to 27 October 2022 followed by the Sea Phase in Bay of Bengal from 28 to 30 October 2022.

The Harbour Phase witnessed extensive professional and sporting interactions between the two navies including cross deck visits, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE) and planning meetings.

SIMBEX series of exercises began in 1994 and were initially known as Exercise Lion King.

The scope and complexity of the exercise has risen substantially over the past two decades to include advanced naval drills covering a wide spectrum of maritime operations.

The exercise exemplifies the high level of cooperation between India and Singapore in the maritime domain

It also highlights the commitment and contribution of the two nations towards enhancing maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.

Other Defence Cooperation:

Both navies have a representation in each other's Maritime Information Fusion Centres and have also recently signed an agreement on mutual submarine rescue support and coordination.

Singapore participates in Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) and multilateral exercise MILAN hosted by the Indian Navy.

Singapore’s membership of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and India’s membership of ADDM+ (ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting - Plus) provides a platform for both countries to coordinate positions on regional issues of mutual concern.

Other Exercises: Bold Kurukshetra (Army), Joint Military Training (Air Force), Trilateral Maritime Exercise SIMTEX (with Thailand).