About:

• The SIMBEX series of exercises is between Indian Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).
• It has been conducted annually since 1994, and aims at enhancing mutual interoperability and imbibing best practices from each other. 
• The 2020 edition of SIMBEX will witness participation by Indian Navy ships including destroyer Rana with integral Chetak helicopter and indigenously built corvettes Kamorta and Karmuk. 
• In addition, IN submarine Sindhuraj and P8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft will also participate in the exercise.
• SIMBEX-20 will witness the two friendly navies participate in advanced surface, anti-air warfare and anti-submarine warfare exercises including weapon firings, over three days of intensive joint operations at sea.

CoVid -19 precautions:

The exercise, being conducted as a ‘non-contact, at sea only’ exercise in view of COVID-19 pandemic, highlights the high degree of mutual trust and confidence, synergy and cooperation in the maritime domain between the two friendly navies and maritime neighbours.

Why in News?

The 27th edition of India – Singapore Bilateral Maritime Exercise SIMBEX-20 will be conducted in the Andaman Sea. 

Reference:

1. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1674904