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List of Joint Military Exercises of and overseas treaties 2020-21

Sea Vigil 2021 Why in the news? • The is going to coordinate the second edition of the coastal defence exercise ‘Sea Vigil’.

About Sea Vigil Exercise • It is a biennial exercise that was held in January 2019. • It is a build-up towards the major Theatre-level exercise TROPEX (Theatre-level Readiness Operational Exercise). • It is being organised to check the efficacy of the measures initiated to plug gaps in coastal security following the terror attack in 2008. Related Information About Theatre-level Readiness Operational Exercise (TROPEX) • It is an inter-service military exercise conducted by the Indian Navy every alternate year. • The exercise is aimed at testing combat readiness of the combined fleets of the Indian Navy, and the assets of the , , and the .

Open Skies Treaty: Russia withdraws after US departure Why in the news? • Russia has announced that they will withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty which will allow observation flights over military facilities following the United States’ exit from the pact.

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Reason for the withdrawal • Moscow has argued that the US withdrawal will erode global security by making it more difficult for governments to interpret the intentions of other nations, particularly amid Russia-West tensions after the Russian annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea in 2014. What is the Open Skies Treaty? • It was first proposed in 1955 by former US President Dwight Eisenhower as a means to deescalate tensions during the Cold War, the landmark treaty was eventually signed in 1992 between NATO members and former Warsaw Pact countries following the demise of the Soviet Union. • It went into effect in 2002 and currently has 35 signatories along with one non-ratifying member (Kyrgyzstan). Aims • The Open sky treaty aims at building confidence among members through mutual openness, thus reducing the chances of accidental war. • Under the treaty, a member state can “spy” on any part of the host nation, with the latter’s consent. • A country can undertake aerial imaging over the host state after giving notice 72 hours before, and sharing its exact flight path 24 hours before. • The information gathered, such as on troop movements, military exercises and missile deployments, has to be shared with all member states. • Only approved imaging equipment is permitted on the surveillance flights, and officials from the host state can also stay on board throughout the planned journey. Significance of the Open Skies Treaty • It is currently the preferred mode for intelligence gathering. • It also help to reduce the reliability Washington to obtain classified satellite data, which would be more difficult to obtain compared to OST surveillance records that have to be shared with all members as a treaty obligation. Related Information About New START Treaty • The new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) is a treaty between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on measures for the further reduction and limitation of strategic offensive arms. • It entered into force on 5th February 2011. • It is a successor to the START framework of 1991 (at the end of the Cold War) that limited both sides to 1,600 strategic delivery vehicles and 6,000 warheads. • The USA has been worried that extending New Start would negatively impact an arms deal with China and Russia. • It is concerned that China’s nuclear stockpile could be doubled if the New Start Treaty continued as is, without including China. • The New Start Treaty also suffered from verification inadequacies and that the U.S. intended to establish a new arms control regime which would include China.

Exercise Desert Knight 21 Why in the news?

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• The Exercise Desert Knight 21 between Indian Air Force (IAF) and French Air and Space Force (Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace) will be held recently at Jodhpur, Rajasthan. About Exercise Desert Knight 21. • This Exercise has been hosted by the Indian Air Force and the French Air and Space Force (Armée de l’Air et de I’Espace).

What is the aim of this exercise? • It will provide the operational exposure and help in sharing practices towards enhancing combat capability. What is unique about this exercise? • For the first time ever, the Indian skies will be hosting Rafale aircraft by both sides. Defence Exercises between India and France • Varuna – Naval exercise • Garuda – Air exercise • Shakti – Army exercise

Operation Trident Why in the news? • Recently, India celebrated December 4 as Navy Day to commemorate Operation Trident. About Operation Trident • Operation Trident was an offensive operation launched by the Indian Navy on Pakistan's port city of Karachi during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. • Under Operation Trident, the Indian Navy sank three vessels near the Pakistani port city of Karachi. • The stars of the mission were the then-recently acquired Soviet Osa missile boats, fitted with 4 SS-N-2 (P-15) Styx missiles.

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• Operation Trident saw the first use of anti-ship missiles in combat in the region as well as the first sinking of naval vessels during hostilities in the area since World War II.

Note: • The Navy plans to celebrate 2021 as 'Swarnim Vijay Varsh' as part of commemorating the 50th anniversary of the victory in the 1971 war.

35th Edition of India - Indonesia Coordinated Patrol Why in the news? • The 35th edition of India-Indonesia Coordinated Patrol (IND-INDO CORPAT) between the Indian Navy and the Indonesian Navy has been recently conducted. About India - Indonesia Coordinated Patrol • It is a biannual coordinated patrol exercise along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). • India was represented by Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kulish which is an indigenously built missile corvette along with P8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA).

• The Indonesian Navy is represented by Indonesian Naval Ship KRI Cut Nyak Dien, a Kapitan Pattimura (Parchim I) class corvette and an MPA of the Indonesian Navy. • The CORPAT assisted in improving the interoperability between the two navies and contributed to strengthening Navy to Navy cooperation. Background • CORPAT is an Indian Navy tactical procedure on behalf of Indian “Wannabe” diplomatic ambitions rather than a Multi-National Treaty. • CORPAT has been carried out with Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Thailand.

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• It is a naval procedure that India carries out with any other country that is willing in an attempt at showing the flag as a diplomatic manoeuvre.

Mission Sagar - II Why in the news? • Recently Indian Naval Ship (INS) Airavat entered Port Sudan with 100 tonnes of food aid as a part of Mission Sagar-II. About Mission Sagar-II • It follows the first ‘Mission Sagar’ undertaken in May-June 2020, wherein India reached out to Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar, and Comoros, and provided food aid and medicines. • Under Mission Sagar-II, Indian Naval Ship Airavat will deliver food aid to Sudan, South Sudan, Djibouti, and Eritrea. • Mission Sagar-II is in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region ‘SAGAR’ and highlights the importance accorded by India to relations with her maritime neighbours and further strengthens the existing bond.

Related Information Mission SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) • It is a term coined by Prime Minister Modi in 2015 during his Mauritius visit with a focus on the blue economy. • It is a maritime initiative which gives priority to the region for ensuring peace, stability, and prosperity of India in the Indian Ocean region. • The goal is to seek a climate of trust and transparency; respect for international maritime rules and norms by all countries; sensitivity to each other’s interests; peaceful resolution of maritime issues; and increase in maritime cooperation. • It is in line with the principles of the Indian Ocean Rim Association.

MALABAR Naval Exercise Why in the news? • The 24th edition of the naval exercise scheduled in two phases in November 2020.

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• Phase 1 of the Exercise MALABAR 20 involving participation by Indian Navy (IN), United States Navy (USN), Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF), and Royal Australian Navy (RAN) is set to commence off in . • Phase 2 of MALABAR 20 was conducted in the Arabian Sea in mid- November 2020.

Related Information About MALABAR naval exercise • It is a trilateral Maritime Exercise MALABAR is scheduled between the navies of India, Japan, and the USA. • MALABAR series of maritime exercises commenced in 1992 as a bilateral IN-USN exercise. • It got permanently expanded into a trilateral format with the inclusion of Japan in 2015. Note: • India and Japan defence forces organize a series of bilateral exercises namely, JIMEX, SHINYUU Maitri, and Dharma Guardian. • India and USA conduct Joint Military Exercises namely, Yudha Abhyas. About Malabar Exercise • It is an annual trilateral naval exercise between the navies of India, Japan, and the USA which is held alternately in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. • It began as a bilateral naval exercise between India and the USA in 1992 and was expanded into a trilateral format with the inclusion of Japan in 2015. • The Exercise is aimed to support free, open, and inclusive Indo- Pacific and remain committed to a rule based international order. • It is also aimed at interoperability with an emphasis on humanitarian assistance, surface war maneuvers, anti-submarines warfare, counter-terror operations, gunnery training and aerial surveillance. • MALABAR 2019 would endeavour to further strengthen India - Japan - US Naval cooperation and enhance interoperability, based on shared values and principles. Other Related Exercise Between Indian and Japan

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• India and Japan defense forces organize a series of bilateral exercises namely, JIMEX, SHINYUU Maitri, and Dharma Guardian. Between India and US • India and USA conduct Joint Military Exercises namely, Yudha Abhyas. Between Australia and India • The bilateral exercises between India and Australia are Pitch Black and AUSINDEX. Exercises between India and Australia are- • Pitch Black • AUSINDEX

‘SITMEX-20’ Exercise Why in the news? • Indian Navy (IN) Ships are participated in the 2nd edition of India, Singapore, and Thailand Trilateral Maritime Exercise SITMEX-20, from 21 to 22 November 20 in Andaman Sea.

About SITMEX-20 • The SITMEX series of exercises are conducted to enhance mutual inter- operability and imbibing best practices between India, Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), and Royal Thai Navy (RTN). • The 2020 edition of the exercise is being hosted by Republic of Singapore Navy. • The exercise, being conducted as a ‘non-contact, at sea only’ exercise in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights growing synergy, in the maritime domain between the three friendly navies and maritime neighbors. • The SITMEX series of exercise aims to strengthen mutual confidence and develop common understanding and procedures towards enhancing the overall maritime security in the region. Note: • The first edition of SITMEX, hosted by the Indian Navy, was conducted off in September 2019.

Exercise SIMBEX-20 Why in the news? • Indian Navy is scheduled to host the 27th edition of India - Singapore Bilateral Maritime Exercise SIMBEX-20 in Andaman Sea.

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About Exercise SIMBEX-20 • The SIMBEX series of exercises between Indian Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy being conducted annually since 1994. • It aimed at enhancing mutual inter-operability and imbibing best practices from each other. • SIMBEX series of exercises exemplify the high level of coordination and convergence of views between India and Singapore, particularly in the maritime domain, towards enhancing the overall maritime security in the region and highlight their commitment to a rules-based international order. • 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.

Exercise Suraksha Kavach Why in the news? • Agnibaaz Division organized Exercise Suraksha Kavach, a Joint Anti-Terrorist Exercise for both Indian Army and Maharashtra Police at Lullanagar Pune.

About Exercise Suraksha Kavach • The aim of the exercise was to harmonize the drills and procedures of both Army and Police for activating anti-

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terrorist Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) to counter any terrorist actions in Pune. • The exercise involved participation of Quick Reaction Teams, Dog Squads and Bomb Disposal Teams of Army as well as Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and Quick Reaction Team of Maharashtra Police. • The exercise provided an opportunity for both Army and Police to cooperate, coordinate, co-opt and streamline their drills and procedures.

Passage Exercise Why in the news? • Recently the Indian and the Australian navies are undertaking Passage Exercise or PASSEX exercises on September 23-24 in the Indian Ocean.

About Passage Exercise • PASSEXs are regularly conducted by the Indian Navy with units of friendly foreign navies. • Australia is the third country, since June, with which India will conduct the exercises. • The first was with US Navy's USS Nimitz and the second was the Russian Navy.

India-Japan maritime bilateral exercise (JIMEX) 2020 Why in the news? • India-Japan maritime bilateral exercise (JIMEX) held on 26th September in the northern Arabia Sea.

About India-Japan maritime bilateral exercise • The exercise has been conducted biennially.

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• JIMEX series of exercises commenced in 2012 with a special focus on maritime security cooperation. • The last edition of the exercise was held in 2018 off Visakhapatnam, India. Other Exercises between India and Japan • Shinyuu Maitri which is a Joint Air Force exercise. • Exercise Malabar a Trilateral Maritime with the USA. • Dharma Guardian an annual joint land military exercise

Kavkaz 2020 exercise Why in the news? a. India decided to pull out from the Russian Kavkaz 2020 strategic command-post exercise launched on September 22, 2020. It is due to the Chinese participation. b. From India a small tri-service contingent to take part in the exercise to be held in Astrakhan in southern Russia.

About Kavkaz 2020 exercise • The Kavkaz 2020 is also referred to as Caucasus-2020. • It is an exercise aimed at assessing the ability of the armed forces to ensure military security in Russia’s southwest. • The invitees also include China and Pakistan, apart from other member- states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Related Information • Recently in June 2020, India and Chinese military contingents marched at the Victory Day Parade at Red Square in Moscow to mark the 75th anniversary of World War II. • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh represented India at the Parade also attended by his Chinese counterpart though there were no bilateral engagements between them.

Passage Exercise (PASSEX) Why in the news? • Recently Indian Naval ships conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the U.S. Navy’s USS Nimitz carrier strike group near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as it is transiting the Indian Ocean.

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• The exercise comes amid a high alert by the Navy in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) due to the stand-off with China along the border in Ladakh. • The Indian Navy had conducted similar PASSEXs with the Japanese Navy and the French Navy in the recent past.

Exercise RIMPAC 2020 Why in the news? • The U.S. Navy announced to host the Exercise RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific) this year, but the drills will only be held at sea because of the coronavirus pandemic. It was scheduled Aug.17 -31, in the waters around the Hawaiian Islands. • The theme of RIMPAC 2020 is "Capable, Adaptive, Partners."

About the Exercise RIMPAC 2020 • It is the world's largest international maritime warfare exercise held biennially since 1971 by the United States Navy's Indo-Pacific Command at Hawaii. Objective • To strengthen international maritime partnerships, enhance interoperability, and improve the readiness of participating forces for a wide range of potential operations. India and Exercise • Indian Navy had participated in the exercise in 2006, 2010, and 2012 as an observer, since 2014, India has been participating as a member country. Other Bilateral Exercises between India and the U.S.

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• Vajra Prahar - It is a Special Forces joint military training exercise conducted alternately in India and the U.S. since 2010. • Yudh Abhyas - It is a joint military exercise between India and the U.S. • Tiger Triumph- It is a tri-service military exercise between India and the U.S.

Pitch Black 2020 Why in the news? • Australia has recently informed India that their premier multilateral air combat training exercise Pitch Black 2020 scheduled from July 27 to August 14 has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 situation. About Pitch Black 2020 • It is a biennial warfare exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). • The exercise aims to practise Offensive Counter Air (OCA) and Defensive Counter Air (DCA) combat, in a simulated war environment. • It provided a unique opportunity for an exchange of knowledge and experience with these nations in a dynamic warfare environment. • The next edition of Pitch Black is scheduled in 2022. Other Exercise with Australia AUSINDEX • It is a bilateral naval exercise between India and Australia.

Note: Recently Australian High Commissioner-designate Barry O’Farrell made a pitch for trilateral cooperation among India, Australia and Indonesia to “identify new ways that our three countries can collaborate to be the best possible custodians of the Indian Ocean”.

Exercise NCC Yogdan Why in the news? • Ministry of Defence (MoD) had recently allowed temporary employment of NCC cadets under ‘Exercise NCC Yogdan’ in the fight against the ongoing virus outbreak.

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About National Cadet Corps • The National Cadet Corps is the youth wing of Armed Forces with its Headquarters at New Delhi. • It is open to school and college students voluntarily. • National Cadet Corps is a Tri-Services Organisation, comprising the Army, Navy and Air Wing, engaged in grooming the youth of the country into disciplined and patriotic citizens. Types of tasks envisaged for cadets include amid viral outbreak • Manning of helpline/call centres • Distribution of relief materials, medicines, food/essential commodities • Community assistance • Data management and queue and traffic management • Manning of CCTV control rooms

Red Flag air exercise Why in the news? • It was in news for its cancellation. The U.S Air Force has recently cancelled Exercise Red Flag due to Coronavirus outbreak.

About the Exercise Red Flag • It is an annual aerial combat training exercise between the Air Force of the United States and its allies. • It was held for the first time in 1975. It aims to offer realistic air-combat training for military pilots and other flight crew members from the United States and allied countries.

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Operation Namaste Why in the news? • The Indian Army has recently launched ‘Operation Namaste’ to Combat Coronavirus.

About the Operation Namaste • Under 'Operation Namaste', the Army has issued the directives to all its bases to insulate the force from the coronavirus. • All border posts have been prepared to deal with cross-border infections.

Milan Exercise 2020 • It was in news for its cancellation. • Due to the spread of COVID-19, the Navy has decided to postpone the multilateral exercise, Milan 2020, scheduled for later this month off the Visakhapatnam coast. About the Milan (naval exercise) • It is a multilateral naval exercise hosted by the Indian Navy under the aegis of the Andaman and Nicobar Command. • It is a biennial event which is held in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. • Milan was first held in 1995.

Joint IAF - RAF EX Indradhanush - V 2020 • The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Royal Air Force (RAF) jointly commenced the fifth edition of Ex Indradhanush. • The focus of this edition of the exercise is 'Base Defence and Force Protection'. • This theme is of significance considering the recent threats to military establishments from terror elements. About the Ex Indradhanush • It provides a platform for the IAF and RAF to share and jointly validate strategies and tactics to counter terror threats to their installations.

Exercise MILAN 2020 • Exercise MILAN 2020 will be conducted in Vishakhapatnam. • The theme of MILAN 2020 is ‘Synergy across the Seas’

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About the Exercise • It is a multilateral naval exercise hosted by the Indian Navy under the aegis of the Andaman and Nicobar Command. • It was first held in 1995 and has been held biennially except for 2001, 2005, and 2016 • The first edition of the MILAN Exercises was in 1995 when just four countries from the neighbourhood including – Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand participated. • These countries mainly focused on promoting deeper cooperation in areas like maritime security and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR). Note: • 41 countries are expected to participate in Milan 2020.

BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercise • National Disaster Response Force will host the second Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation Disaster Management Exercise in Odisha. About the BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercise • The aim of the exercise is to test the existing emergency procedures for notification, preparedness and emergency response, during a major natural disaster. • It will also test the multi-stakeholders’ coordination in a disaster scenario involving international, national, state, district and local agencies • Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Nepal are participating in the exercise while Bhutan and Thailand, where travel restrictions are in place, will be absent. About BIMSTEC • The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is an international organization founded in 1997. • It is headquartered in Dhaka, Bangladesh. • It comprises seven Member states namely Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan, and Nepal. About National Disaster Response Force • The National Disaster Response Force is a specialised force constituted "for the purpose of specialist response to a threatening disaster situation or disaster" under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. • National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is under the National Disaster Management Authority • National Disaster Management Authority is the "Apex Body for Disaster Management" in India. • The Chairman of the NDMA is the Prime Minister. • The ‘Nodal Ministry’ in the central government for the management of natural disasters is the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Exercise AJEYA WARRIOR-2020 • The 5th edition of Joint Military Exercise AJEYA WARRIOR-2020 between India and the United Kingdom will be conducted at Salisbury Plains, United Kingdom. About the Exercise AJEYA WARRIOR-2020

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• The aim of this exercise is to conduct company level joint training with an emphasis on counter-terrorists operation in Urban and Semi-Urban areas. • It is an important exercise in terms of the security challenges faced by both nations in the realm of changing facets of global terrorism. • The exercise is conducted alternatively in the United Kingdom and India. • It will also promote defence cooperation and enhance interoperability while sharing experiences between both the armies.

Exercise SAMPRITI • SAMPRITI-IX is being conducted at UMROI, Meghalaya, India as a part of the ongoing Indo-Bangladesh defence cooperation. About the Exercise SAMPRITI • It is an important bilateral defence cooperation endeavour between India and Bangladesh which is hosted alternately by both countries. • During the joint military exercise SAMPRITI-IX, a Command Post Exercise (CPX) and a Field Training Exercise (FTX) will be conducted. • The exercise will be emphasized to strengthen military trust and cooperation between the two nations. Other Exercise Recently India – Bangladesh Navies Undertake Coordinated Patrol in North Bay of Bengal • The second edition of Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) of the navies of India and Bangladesh commenced in Northern Bay of Bengal. • The India Bangladesh CORPAT commenced in 2018. • The exercise aims at the development of mutual communication and sharing of best practices between the two navies.

Navy launches Operation Vanilla to help Madagascar • The Navy has recently launched Operation Vanilla in support of the national disaster in Madagascar and diverted a large amphibious ship to provide assistance. • Madagascar has been hit by a cyclone and there has been heavy flooding and landslips since last week, causing loss of lives. About Madagascar • Madagascar is also known as the Red Island, the Rainbow Island, the Eighth Continent. • It is the world's 4th largest island. • Spoken languages are Malagasy and French. Location: • Madagascar is situated in the southwestern area of the Indian Ocean east of the coast of Africa about 400 km off the coast of Mozambique. • The island is recognized as one of the world's top ten hotspots for biodiversity. Ethnic Group • Madagascar is inhabited by various ethnic groups of Malayo-Indonesian, mixed African and Malayo-Indonesian, and Arab ancestry.

Exercise Topchi • Indian Army recently showcased its artillery firepower capability at Exercise Topchi at Deolali Camp near Nashik.

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About Exercise Topchi • It means a gunner in English is an annual exercise by the School of Artillery, Deolali. • The exercise aims to showcase the Indian Army’s artillery firepower, aviation and surveillance capabilities. About School of Artillery • The School of Artillery was established for the Indian Army at Kakul now in Pakistan in April 1918 afterwards it moved to Devlali in June 1941. • Since 1947, the School of Artillery has undergone many changes, in conformity with modernisation and expansion of the Indian Army and consequently of the Regiment of Artillery. About Deolali Camp • Deolali is a small hill-station in the Nashik district of Maharashtra. • It has one of the oldest military centres in India. • It was established in 1869 and is situated on the banks of the River Darna.

Naval Exercise Milan • Recently thirty countries have confirmed participation out of the 41 countries invited for the multilateral naval exercise Milan 2020 to be held in March 2020 • The theme for the exercise MILAN 2020 is ‘Synergy across the Seas’. About MILAN naval exercise It is a series of biennial multilateral naval exercise conducted by Indian Navy. It was first held in the year 1995. It was conducted at Andaman and Nicobar Command until last year and is being conducted for the first time on the mainland at . The exercise is aimed to enhance professional interaction between friendly foreign navies and learn from each other’s strengths and best practices in the maritime domain.

6th joint naval exercise: Sea Guardians Navies of China and Pakistan, holding nine-day Sea Guardian exercises in the Arabian Sea. The goal of the Sea Guardians-2020 drills is to boost the two countries' military cooperation enhance their all-weather strategic cooperative partnership build a safe maritime environment and enhance the two navies' capability to deal with maritime terrorism and crime. The exercise is also the first between China and Pakistan that will feature anti- submarine and submarine rescue training Related Information The Arabian Sea region is strategically important for India as major ports including Kandla, Okha, Mumbai, Nhava Sheva (Navi Mumbai), Mormugão, New Mangalore, and Kochi are located there. The exercise is regarded strategically significant for China which is now developing Pakistan's deepwater Gwadar port there. Gwadar is being connected through the over $60 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to China's Xinjiang province, providing a key land route to China to access the warm waters of the Arabian Sea. India’s Concern

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The Gwadar is located close to Iran's Chabahar Port being jointly developed by Iran, India, and Afghanistan to ensure a trade corridor for Indian exports to Afghanistan. The Arabian Sea provides entry to the Indian Ocean where China currently has built a logistics base at Djibouti in the Horn of Africa.

Operation Sankalp Recently the Indian Navy had commenced maritime security operations, code- named ‘Operation Sankalp’, in the Gulf Region on 19 June 2019 to ensure the safe passage of Indian Flag Vessels transiting through the Strait of Hormuz.” The operation is being progressed in close coordination with all stakeholders including the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Shipping and Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. About Strait of Hormuz The Strait of Hormuz is a strait between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. It provides the only sea passage from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean and is one of the world's most strategically important choke points. On the north coast lies Iran and on the south coast the United Arab Emirates and Musandam, an exclave of Oman. A third of the world’s liquefied natural gas and almost 25% of total global oil consumption passes through the strait, making it a highly important strategic location for international trade.

12th Edition of 'Naseem-Al-Bahr' • The ship of Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) arrived in Goa to participate in the 12th edition of the Indo-Oman bilateral naval exercise 'Naseem-Al-Bahr. • It is being conducted since 1993. Other Exercise with Oman Exercise Eastern Bridge • It is an Air Force exercise that is held between India and Oman. Exercise Al-Najah • It is an army exercise conducted between India and Oman.