Singapore Navy Ship Arrives in Visakhapatnam for SIMBEX 31
Visakhapatnam, October 23, 2023 – The Singapore Navy Ship RSS Tenacious, accompanied by an embarked helicopter, docked at Visakhapatnam on Wednesday to participate in the 31st edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX). The exercise is set to take place from October 23 to 29, hosted by the Eastern Naval Command.
This year’s SIMBEX will unfold in two phases: the Harbour Phase from October 23 to 25, which will occur at the Visakhapatnam docks, followed by the Sea Phase from October 28 to 29 in the Bay of Bengal. The Indian Ministry of Defence highlighted that this iteration of the exercise aims to bolster the strategic partnership between India and Singapore. Key objectives include enhancing interoperability, improving maritime domain awareness, and fostering collaboration to address mutual maritime challenges.
Originally launched as ‘Exercise Lion King’ in 1994, SIMBEX has evolved into a pivotal maritime collaboration between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). During the Harbour Phase, activities will include Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), cross-deck visits, sports fixtures, and pre-sail briefings, allowing personnel from both navies to engage closely.
The Sea Phase promises to be particularly dynamic, featuring advanced naval drills that include live weapon firings, anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training, anti-surface and anti-air operations, seamanship evolutions, and complex tactical manoeuvres.
This event follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s significant diplomatic visit to Singapore in September, during which India and Singapore elevated their bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. During discussions held at the Parliament House in Singapore, PM Modi and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong reviewed the progress of bilateral engagement and exchanged four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) focusing on digital technology, semiconductor industries, skill development, and healthcare.
PM Modi extended an invitation to PM Wong to visit India, which the Singaporean leader accepted, reinforcing the commitment of both nations to deepening their strategic ties. The ongoing SIMBEX exercise serves as a further testament to the robust friendship and collaboration between India and Singapore in the maritime domain.
