The second edition of the India-Mozambique-Tanzania Trilateral Exercise (IMT TRILAT 24) drew to a successful close on March 28, 2024, at Nacala, Mozambique, marking a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts to strengthen maritime security and cooperation in the region.
The week-long exercise, which commenced on March 21, brought together naval forces from India, Mozambique, and Tanzania, highlighting the importance of enhanced interoperability and cooperation in addressing common maritime challenges.
Participating in IMT TRILAT 24 were the Indian Naval ships INS Tir and INS Sujata, which engaged in a series of joint exercises, training sessions, and collaborative activities aimed at fostering mutual understanding and enhancing maritime capabilities among the three navies.
The exercise unfolded in two distinct phases, beginning with a harbor phase from March 21 to March 24. During this phase, intensive training sessions were conducted concurrently onboard INS Tir at Zanzibar and INS Sujata at Maputo.
Activities included crucial training on Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS), Damage Control and Firefighting Drills, communication procedures, and medical lectures, which featured CPR demonstrations and casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) procedures.
Transitioning to the sea phase on March 24, INS Tir and INS Sujata embarked sea riders from the Tanzanian and Mozambique Navies, respectively. Joint operations with Mozambique Naval ship Namatili and Tanzanian naval ship Fatundu demonstrated significant synergy and sustained efforts among the regional navies in line with the vision of SAGAR (Security & Growth for All in the Region).
The sea phase included simulated VBSS exercises, night maneuvers, and joint surveillance of the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) off Tanzania and Mozambique in the area of operation.
The closing ceremony, held onboard INS Tir and INS Sujata at Nacala, Mozambique, was attended by representatives from all three navies. The event underscored the successful collaboration, understanding of maritime capabilities, and shared objectives achieved during the exercise.
It emphasized the continued commitment towards maritime security and regional stability, reaffirming India’s role as the preferred security partner in the region.
In addition to the main exercise, IMT TRILAT 24 also facilitated various official and training exchanges, cross-deck visits, sports fixtures, and Yoga sessions as part of the long-range training deployment of the ships.
The ships were opened to visitors at Zanzibar, Maputo, and Nacala, welcoming over 1500 people, including school children, Indian diaspora, and local populace, fostering bonds of friendship and promoting maritime awareness.
Outreach activities were also conducted at the Mizzizini Orphanage Center in Zanzibar and the Obra Dom Orio Reception Centre in Maputo, further strengthening the ties between the participating nations and their communities.
IMT TRILAT 24 stands as a testament to the commitment of India, Mozambique, and Tanzania to collaborative maritime security efforts, setting a positive precedent for future engagements and reinforcing the collective resolve to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment in the region.
