Port Blair, Sept 26: The 22nd Cycle of Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) at sea conducted between the Indian and Indonesian Navies culminated on 25 Sep 13 with the arrival at Port Blair of KRI Ship Teuku Umar and a Maritime Patrol Aircraft. The CORPAT commenced with the visit of INS Kumbhir to the Indonesian Port of Belawan with Brigadier PK Singh,
Chief Staff Officer (Operations) on board, along with an Indian Naval Dornier aircraft, for the opening ceremony on 09 Sep 13. This is the 11th year of invaluable engagement between the two navies and the collaboration highlights close defence ties between the two countries.
The Indian and Indonesian Navies undertake joint patrols twice a year in international waters along the International Maritime Boundary Line, for prevention of illegal maritime activities, Search and Rescue Operations and enhance interoperability by conducting passage exercises. The CORPAT besides the professional intent, also acted as a medium for social interaction between the two countries, with social events being organised by both the countries, at Belawan and Port Blair respectively.
The closing ceremony of the CORPAT was conducted at Port Blair with the debrief of the exercise being co-chaired by Cmde Jatinder Singh, the Naval Component Commander and Colonel Agung P, the Deputy Commander, Sea Security Task Force, Western Fleet of the Indonesian Navy. During the visit to Port Blair the Indonesian Senior Officer and the Commanding Officer of KRI Ship and Captain of the aircraft called on hierarchy of Andaman and Nicobar Command.
The Command PRO stated that, India and Indonesia share an extremely close association since times immemorial, and the warmth displayed between the navies of the two nations during the 22nd Cycle of India – Indonesia CORPAT augurs well for cooperative mechanisms as security on the high seas and safety at sea are enhanced.
