Visakhapatnam is currently hosting the fifth edition of the Indo-Indonesian Joint Bilateral Maritime Exercise, named 'Samudra Shakti – 2025'. The exercise, which commenced on October 14th and will continue until October 17th, aims to enhance interoperability, strengthen mutual understanding, and facilitate the sharing of best practices between the Indian and Indonesian navies.

The participating units in this significant maritime exercise include the Indian Navy's INS Kavaratti, an Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette from the Eastern Fleet, operating under the Eastern Naval Command (ENC), and the Indonesian Navy Ship KRI John Lie, a Corvette equipped with an integral helicopter. The arrival of KRI John Lie at Visakhapatnam was marked by a warm welcome from the ENC.

Samudra Shakti – 2025 is structured into two distinct phases: the Harbour Phase and the Sea Phase. The Harbour Phase is designed to foster camaraderie and strengthen professional relationships between the personnel of both navies. Activities include cross-deck visits, joint yoga sessions, friendly sports fixtures, and professional Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE).

The Sea Phase involves dynamic and complex maritime operations aimed at enhancing tactical coordination. This includes helicopter operations, air defence exercises, weapon firing drills, and Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) exercises. These drills are designed to improve the operational synergy between the participating navies.

Officials have stated that Exercise Samudra Shakti highlights the shared commitment of both India and Indonesia to maintaining stability and peace in the Indo-Pacific region. It serves as a key bilateral engagement, enhancing interoperability and strengthening mutual understanding between the two navies.

The Indian Embassy in Indonesia has emphasized that the defense relations between India and Indonesia, as maritime neighbors, exemplify bilateral cooperation, collaboration, and partnership. Formal defense cooperation agreements were established in 1951, with subsequent agreements signed in 2001 and renewed in 2006.

This exercise underscores the commitment of both nations to work together in addressing maritime challenges and ensuring a stable and secure Indo-Pacific region. By conducting complex maritime operations and sharing expertise, the Indian and Indonesian navies are enhancing their ability to respond effectively to various maritime security scenarios.