In the South China Sea, the fourth iteration of the bilateral exercise Samudra Shakti-23 between India and Indonesia came to an end. The ASW corvette INS Kavaratti, which carries an integrated Chetak helicopter, and a Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft participated in the sea phase, which took place from May 17–19, 2023. The KRI Sultan Iskandar Muda with an integrated Panther helicopter and a CN 235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft were among the Indonesian Navy’s equipment. The two navies’ capacity to work together was improved through a series of intricate drills that included tactical movements, weapon firings, helicopter operations, air defence, and anti-submarine warfare exercises. The sea phase was preceded by a fruitful harbour phase which saw professional interactions, table top exercises and sports exchanges. Exercise Samudra Shakti-23’s success demonstrated India and Indonesia’s close relationship and underlined both fleets’ commitment to using cooperative engagements to advance peace and stability in the area.
