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India and Japan to hold maritime exercise in Arabian Sea from Oct 6

Fifth edition of JIMEX exercise accompanies growing synergy between Quad powers

india-japan-jimex-2020 File photo: Indian and Japanese navies participating in JIMEX-2020 | Indian Navy

From Wednesday, India are Japan are set to hold their first bilateral maritime exercise since the in-person summit of Quad nations in Washington in September, where the grouping of like-minded democratic powers committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The fifth edition of the India-Japan Maritime Bilateral Exercise, JIMEX, between the Indian Navy (IN) and the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF), will be held in the Arabian Sea from October 6-8, 2021. The JIMEX series of exercises commenced in January 2012 with a special focus on maritime security cooperation. The last edition of JIMEX was conducted in September 2020.

This year's exercise will see the indigenously built guided missile stealth destroyer INS Kochi and guided missile frigate Teg, under the command of Rear Admiral Ajay Kochhar, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet, representing the Indian Navy. The Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force will be represented by JMSDF ships Kaga, an Izumo class helicopter carrier and Murasame, a guided missile destroyer, led by Rear Admiral IkeuchiIzuru, Commander Escort Flotilla-3 (CCF-3). In addition to ships, P8I long range maritime patrol aircraft, Dornier maritime patrol aircraft, integral helicopters and MiG 29K fighter aircraft will also participate in the exercise.

"JIMEX-21 aims to develop common understanding of operational procedures and enhance inter-operability through conduct of a multitude of advanced exercises, across the entire spectrum of maritime operations. Multi-faceted tactical exercises involving weapon firings, cross-deck helicopter operations and complex surface, anti-submarine and air warfare drills will consolidate coordination developed by the two navies," the Ministry of Defence said in a release.

"Naval cooperation between India and Japan has increased in scope and complexity over years. JIMEX-21 will further enhance the cooperation and mutual confidence between the two navies and fortify the long-standing bond of friendship between the two countries," the MoD said.  

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