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INS Saryu, an indigenously built NOPV based at the Andaman and Nicobar Command, along with a Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft, shall participate in the 26th edition of the coordinated patrol (CORPAT) being held this year. The expanded version of the CORPAT, with the first ever bilateral exercise element embedded, is scheduled from 03 Oct to 21 Oct 15. Inaugural India-Indonesia Bilateral Maritime Exercise, is scheduled from 17-18 Oct 15 in the Andaman Sea.

INS Saryu entered Port Belawan, Indonesia on 01 Oct 15 and is sailing out today 03 Oct 15 for the coordinated patrol with Indonesian Navy.

Defence relations between India and Indonesia have been growing steadily with regular joint activities and exchange of personnel between the Armed Forces of the two countries. Under the broad ambit of this strategic partnership, the two navies have been carrying out Coordinated Patrolling (CORPAT) along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) twice a year since 2002, with the aim of keeping this vital part of the Indian Ocean Region safe and secure for commercial shipping and international trade. The CORPAT has strengthened understanding and interoperability between the navies, instituting measures to prosecute vessels engaged in unlawful activities and conducting Search and Rescue as well as pollution control.

The importance of this bilateral cooperation has increased significantly with the scheduling of the first Bilateral Maritime Exercise along with the 26th edition of the CORPAT being held this year. The Bilateral Maritime Exercise and the CORPAT would see participation by one warship and one Maritime Patrol Aircraft from both sides.

In line with the significance of the event, the Opening Ceremony at Belawan, Indonesia from 01- 03 Oct 15 was attended by Vice Admiral PK Chaterjee, the Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command.

DKS/CKP