CONTEXT :

• The Navies of India and Singapore are participating in the annual maritime bilateral exercise SIMBEX in the South China Sea.
• Yesterday the sea phase of the bilateral naval drill started and will continue till Wednesday.

BACKGROUND :

• Various maritime combat exercises such as firing on aerial or surface targets, advanced aerial tracking, coordinated targeting exercises and tactical exercises on the surface or air scenarios is being conducted during the exercise.
• Naval ships INS Kolkata and INS Shakti taking part in the bilateral naval exercise, along with long-range maritime patrol aircraft Poseidon-8I. The Singapore side is being represented by RSN ships Steadfast and Valiant, maritime patrol aircraft Fokker-50 and F-16 fighter aircraft.
• The forces of India and Singapore share robust military ties.
• The South China Sea waters, which are claimed by many littoral states, have been witnessing muscling in of the Chinese navy.
• Over the years SIMBEX has stood the test of time in demonstrating the nation’s commitment to enhance maritime cooperation between the two navies and bolster bonds of friendship between the two countries.