The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Airavat arrived in Brunei yesterday to participate in the Asean Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) Exercise on Maritime Security and Counter Terrorism from May 1-9.

The Indian Navy has been a regular participant in maritime exercises conducted by the ADMM countries in consonance with India's 'Act East Policy' and Indian Navy's constant endeavour to enhance maritime security in the India-Pacific region, according to a statement from the High Commission of India in Brunei Darussalam.

The current edition of the exercise will commence in Brunei and culminate at Singapore with various drills and exercises in the South China Sea.

During the exercise, the Indian Navy will engage with participating navies from Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, China, Japan, Russia, Australia, Republic of Korea and the United States through professional interactions in harbour and complex operations at sea.

India has deep historic and cultural linkages with Asean member countries which have been strengthened in the recent past by vibrant economic engagement and a growing sense of shared maritime destiny, the statement said.

"In the recent past, Asean has emerged as one of the largest trading partners of India, with bilateral trade showing an upward trend with each passing year. India's active and positive contribution in numerous Asean -led mechanisms, namely the Asean Regional Forum (ARF) and Asean Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) as well as India's support for strengthening of the East Asia Summit (EAS) has often been acknowledged by Asean member countries.

The establishment of the Indian Mission to Asean in Jakarta serves as a testimony of India's commitment towards Asean.

"Indian Navy and the navies of Asean member countries have a mutual interest in promoting peace and prosperity in the Indian Ocean and the Western Pacific, given our shared maritime security interests. The exercise is aimed at enhancing mutual understanding with respect to maritime security issues and streamlining drills on counter-terrorism operations at sea. The participation of INS Airavat aims to bolster India's ties and enhance inter-operability with the participating navies."

INS Airavat, commanded by Commander Jayant Mahadik, is a Landing Ship Tank (Large), indigenously designed and built at GRSE, Kolkata.

The ship was inducted into the Indian Navy on May 19, 2009 and has a lift capability of 500 troops, 10 tanks and 11 Combat Trucks, which allows the vessel to be effectively tasked for a variety of missions ranging from amphibious operations to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR). An integral helicopter significantly enhances the capability of the ship.

"The participation of INS Airavat in the exercise will further strengthen the strong bilateral ties and extensive maritime interactions between India and Asean member countries as well as contribute significantly to enhancing maritime security in the region," the statement added.

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect.com

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