In a significant display of maritime cooperation and strategic engagement, Indian Naval Ships Tir and Sujata are set to participate in the second edition of the India Mozambique Tanzania (IMT) Tri-Lateral Exercise, scheduled from March 21 to March 29, 2024.
The joint maritime exercise aims to strengthen cooperation and enhance interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Navies of Mozambique and Tanzania.
The inaugural edition of the IMT Tri-Lateral Exercise, conducted in October 2022, witnessed the participation of INS Tarkash alongside the Tanzanian and Mozambique Navies. Building upon the success of the first edition, the upcoming exercise holds immense significance in fostering closer ties and mutual understanding among the participating naval forces.
The exercise is structured into two phases, with the harbour phase scheduled from March 21 to March 24, 2024. During this phase, INS Tir and INS Sujata will engage with their counterparts from the Mozambique and Tanzanian Navies at the ports of Zanzibar (Tanzania) and Maputo (Mozambique).
Activities planned for the harbour phase include joint training sessions encompassing Damage Control, Fire Fighting, Visit Board Search and Seizure procedures, Medical Lectures, Casualty Evacuation, and Diving operations.
These sessions are aimed at enhancing operational readiness and fostering mutual learning and exchange of best practices among the participating Navies.
Following the harbour phase, the sea phase of the exercise will take place from March 24 to March 27, 2024.
This phase will focus on practical aspects of countering asymmetric threats, Visit Board Search and Seizure procedures, boat handling, manoeuvres, and firing exercises. Additionally, a joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance operation is planned during the sea phase to enhance maritime domain awareness and security cooperation in the region.
The exercise will culminate with a joint debrief session scheduled at Nacala, Mozambique, further consolidating the lessons learned and experiences gained during the exercise.
During their harbour stay, Indian Naval ships will be open for visitors, providing an opportunity for the local populace to interact with the crew and learn about the capabilities of the Indian Navy.
Additionally, sports and cultural exchanges will be organized between the participating Navies to promote camaraderie and cultural understanding.
In parallel, training visits for sea trainees of the 106 Integrated Officers Training Course are also planned at the respective ports, further deepening the engagement and cooperation between the naval forces of India, Mozambique, and Tanzania.
The participation of Indian Naval Ships Tir and Sujata in the IMT Tri-Lateral Exercise underscores India’s commitment to promoting maritime security and cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.
Through collaborative efforts and joint exercises, the Indian Navy continues to strengthen partnerships and contribute to regional stability and prosperity.
