India, Sri Lanka, Maldives to begin sea exercise from today

[Muhammad.Ahsan]

fnf

 

[Hindustani78]

Male/New Delhi: The Indian Navy has traced a Maldivian landing craft with six crew members, three days after it went missing while travelling between two islands in the Maldives.

A Dronier aircraft of the Navy first located the landing craft - Maria 3 - 120 nautical miles east of Male last evening following which INS Kirch reached out to the ship and provided required assistance.

The Navy yesterday had sent the INS Kirch and the Dornier aircraft for search and rescue operation for the missing vessel.

http://zeenews.india.com/india/indian-navy-traces-missing-maldivian-landing-craft-2007449.html
The Indian Navy has traced a Maldivian landing craft with six crew members, three days after it went missing while travelling between two islands in the Maldives.
PTI| Last Updated: Sunday, May 21, 2017 - 13:28

"The ship's forward ramp had collapsed due to which she was unable to propel. INS Kirch has confirmed that all crew members are safe," Navy Spokesperson Capt DK Sharma said in New Delhi.

The landing craft was travelling from K Thulusdhoo, an island in the Maldives to L Gan, another island, on Thursday when it went missing.

India's Ambassador to Maldives Akhilesh Mishra applauded the crew of the Indian Navy and Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) for their coordination and cooperation in locating the missing ship.

"I feel very proud of the professionalism, unflinching courage and commitment to duty displayed by the Indian Naval officers in undertaking the search and rescue operation in an extremely challenging weather," he said.

The Indian Navy personnel also called on the Indian envoy.

The MNDF is the security organisation of Maldives responsible for defending the security and sovereignty of the the island nation.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence14-July, 2017 19:16 IST
Indo-Sri Lankan Joint Exercise

The IAF has recently participated in a joint exercise with Sri Lankan forces. A transport aircraft of IAF had ferried a contingent of 65 members of IAF personnel on 09 Jul 17 to Sri Lanka with an aim of carrying out joint training. The contingent included a sky diving team along with the Air Warrior Drill Team. While at Colombo, joint para drops were carried out along with Sri Lankan troops.

This exercise offered an opportunity to both, the IAF and SLAF contingent members, to observe each others’ Standard Operating Procedures as well as exchange ideas on joint operations. The Air Warrior Drill Team also displayed its immaculate coordinated weapons drill at Colombo. The team would arrive at Trivandrum on 14 Jul 17 after a very satisfying joint exercise.

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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
13-October, 2017 17:59 IST
Opening Ceremony : EX Mitra Shakti 2017

The fifth India-Sri Lanka Joint Training Exercise MITRA SHAKTI 2017 started with a grand Opening Ceremony conducted at Aundh Military Station, Pune. The exercise is based on Counter Terrorist Operations and an Infantry company from both the countries is participating in the same. The Opening Ceremony commenced with immaculate parade, followed by skill displays carried out by troops from both the countries. The spectacular display of Unarmed Combat, Khukri Dance and Pipe Band was carried out by Indian Army and Udarata Narthanaya by Sri Lanka Army. The fly past by two Cheetah helicopters of Indian Army Aviation carrying national flags of both countries was held at the start of the opening ceremony. The ceremony was presided by Brigadier Alok Chandra, VSM and Brigadier Ajith Pallawela, RWP, RSP, Senior Indian Observer and Senior Sri Lanka Observer respectively. The India - Sri Lanka joint training exercise MITRA SHAKTI 2017 in its fifth edition will send a strong signal to the world that both India and Sri Lanka understand the emerging threat of terrorism and stand shoulder to shoulder in countering this menace. The exercise will be conducted for next 14 days upto 26 Oct 17 & will involve sharing and learning from each others experiences.

Col Aman Anand
PRO (Army)

 

[Hindustani78]

India-Sri Lanka military exercise with focus on counter-insurgency concludes

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   The two-week long joint military exercise involving India and Sri Lanka, ‘Mitra Shakti’ concluded on Thursday. The fifth chapter of Mitra Shakti has been underway at the Aundh Military Station for the last two weeks. Express photo by Arul Horizon
   

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   During the last few days of Mitra Shakti, discussions were held on possible terrorist scenarios and operational drills were conducted. Express photo by Arul Horizon
   

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   According to army officials these drills mainly focussed on coordination and joint battle procedures. Express photo by Arul Horizon
   

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   An Infantry company from both countries which is focussing on counter-insurgency and counter-terror operations participated in the exercise. Express photo by Arul Horizon
   

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   Brigadier Alok Chandra from the Indian side and Brigadier Ajith Pallawela from the Sri Lankan side were the military observers for the exercise.Express photo by Arul Horizon
   

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The exercise also has immense importance for military ties between India and Sri Lanka, in the backdrop of the growing influence of China in the Indian Ocean region. Express photo by Arul Horizon

 

[Hindustani78]

//economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/61485207.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

Two Indian naval ships are on a five-day goodwill visit to Sri Lanka to participate in a number of training exercises in a bid to share professional expertise and strengthen friendship.

The ships' crews will also take part in a series of friendly sports events and community service activities organised by the Sri Lanka Navy during their stay in the country, Daily Mirror reported.

Indian Naval Ships Tir and Sujatha and the Indian Coast Guard ship Sarathi arrived at the Colombo port yesterday on a goodwill and training visit, the report said.

The ships' crews will also take part in a series of friendly sports events and community service activities organised by the Sri Lanka Navy during their stay here.

The Commanding Officers of the visiting Indian ships Captain D J Revar, Commandant Pankaj Agrawal and Commander KB Singh called on Sri Lankan Navy's Commander Western Naval Area Rear Admiral Niraja Attygalle at the Western Naval Command Headquarters.

They held cordial discussions on matters of mutual interest and exchanged mementos to mark the occasion.

The Defence Advisor attached to the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka Captain Ashok Rao was also present on the occasion.

The visit took place amidst an increase in military ties with Sri Lanka.

Last month, vessels from the Sri Lankan Navy completed a set of military exercises in India. The Indian government also provided an Offshore Patrol Vessel to the Sri Lanka Coast Guard. CORR UZM MVV

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
11-December, 2017 14:49 IST
Visit of Chief of the Air Staff to Sri Lanka

Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa, Chief of the Air Staff is on an official visit to Sri Lanka from 11-14 Dec 17, to deliberate on matters of mutual interest related to regional security. During the visit, CAS would also review the Commissioning, Award of Wings and Passing Out Parade of the Sri Lankan Air Force Academy which is scheduled to be held on 14 Dec 17. It is the first occasion in the history of the Sri Lankan Air Force where an Air Chief of a foreign Air Force is invited to review the prestigious passing out parade.

This visit of the Indian Air Chief would provide impetus towards increasing defence cooperation between the two Air Forces and pave the way for greater interaction in the future. This would also strengthen relationships, enable engagement in productive exchanges and promote understanding of joint issues and challenges.



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The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa laying wreath at IPKF Memorial, at Colombo, in Sri Lanka on December 11, 2017.
CNR :106732 Photo ID :119251

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa inspecting the Guard of Honour, at Army HQ of Sri Lanka on December 11, 2017.
CNR :106733 Photo ID :119252

 

[Hindustani78]

//economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/62038700.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

COLOMBO: Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa called on Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe here and held discussions on matters of bilateral importance, according to Sri Lanka Air Force.

Yesterday, Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa also called on the Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Air Marshal Kapila Jayampathy, State Minister of Defence Ruwan Wijewardene and Defence Ministry Secretary Kapila Waidyaratne at the Temple tress, official residence of the prime minister.

During the meeting between Wickremesinghe and Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa, matters of bilateral importance and mutual relevance were discussed, the Sri Lanka Airforce said.

Ahead of the IAF chief's visit, India's defence ministry had said that the trip would provide impetus towards increasing defence co-operation between the two air forces and pave the way for greater interaction in the future.

"This would also strengthen relationships, enable engagement in productive exchanges and promote understanding of joint issues and challenges," it had said.

Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa is on a four-day visit to Sri Lanka in which he will deliberate with top brass of Sri Lanka's defence establishment on issues relating to regional security.

During the visit, the IAF chief would also review the commissioning and passing out parade of the Sri Lanka Air Force Academy on December 14.

The IAF also participated for a briefing on the operational aspects of the SLAF which was delivered by the Director of Air Operations Air Vice Marshal Sudharshana Pathirana.

 

[Sliver]

commenting on the 2016 report (OP) - the only 2 helis in the Maldives are the Indian made ones. the inter operability there should be a cake walk. while India herself seems to be bringing helis not made by India - not a good advertisement of trust on its own products.

 

[Hindustani78]

Belagavi , December 16, 2017 12:18 IST
Updated: December 16, 2017 12:18 IST
http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...in-anti-terror-operations/article21820304.ece

At EKUVERIN, personnel of India, Maldives learn strategies and techniques from each other

The Indian army is organising joint military exercises with forces of other countries to prepare for possible joint operations against terrorist groups in future, Brigadier Govind Kalwad, Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre (MLIRC), said in Belagavi on Friday.

“Terrorism is a challenge before the whole world. Security forces should gear up to face such challenges. Such joint exercises help our forces learn the best practices from partners,” he said. He was speaking at the inauguration of EKUVERIN, a joint military exercise between India and Maldives that began at the MLIRC, Belagavi.

Last year, the exercise was held at Kadhdhoo, Lammu Atoll in Maldives. EKUVERIN means ‘friends’ in Dhivehi, the Maldivian language.

The two-week long bilateral annual training exercise is expected to help soldiers and officers of both countries learn strategies and techniques from each other.

Brigadier Kalwad said this was the eighth joint exercise between India and Maldives. The personnel will utilise the training facilities of the MLIRC to get trained in counter-insurgency operations, horse riding and other skills.

The main aim of the camp was to introduce operational procedures and techniques of one army to the other. This would be helpful in the event of counter-insurgency and anti- terrorist operations in cities or semi-urban settings. Such exercises are being carried out as per the spirit of the United Nations charter. This will ensure better inter-operability and aid future joint operations, he said.

Captain Shinon, who is heading the Maldivian group, hoped the exercise would help both sides acquire new skills.

As many as 45 personnel from each side are participating in the exercise.

The Maldivian National Defence Force is represented by two officers and 43 personnel, and the Indian side is represented by three officers, three Junior Commissioned Officers and 39 personnel of the Gorkha Rifles Battalion.

The event began with flypast by two helicopters of Army Aviation, Pipe Band displhttp://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/23-officers-graduate-from-mceme/article21808122.eceay by 5/8th Gorkha Rifles band and a display of Ghatka martial arts by soldiers of Bombay Sappers, Kirkee. The exercise will end on December 28.

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http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/23-officers-graduate-from-mceme/article21808122.ece

ISB Dean Rajendra K Srivastava conferring degrees to student officers at MCEME on Friday

Convocation ceremony held
Engineering degrees to 23 officers of the Degree Engineering (DE-98) including one officer from the Maldivian Army and 42 Officers of Technical Entry Scheme Course (TES-28) were conferred by Indian School of Business Dean Rajendra K Srivastava at the Convocation Ceremony at Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering (MCEME) on Friday.

“Armed forces and technology have been strategic partners in developing and enhancing defence capability of the nation. It is an accepted fact that, the armed forces need to operate at a higher technological level than the rest of the country to have an advantage over the adversary,” said Prof. Srivastava.

A host of senior dignitaries from military and civil administration and an august gathering of more than 300 service personnel and their families attended the convocation. In his inaugural address, MCEME Commandant Lt. Gen. Paramjit Singh said, “our institution has not only excelled in the field of technology and training but has also left its indelible mark in the field of sports and adventure activities”

 

[Hindustani78]

The Commander of Sri Lankan Army, Lieutenant General N.U.M.M.W. Senanayake meeting the Defence Secretary, Shri Sanjay Mitra, in New Delhi on March 06, 2018

The Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal S.B. Deo meeting the Commander of Sri Lankan Army, Lieutenant General N.U.M.M.W. Senanayake, in New Delhi on March 06, 2018.

The Commander of Sri Lankan Army, Lieutenant General N.U.M.M.W. Senanayake meeting the Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat, in New Delhi on March 06, 2018.

The Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat presenting the Indian Army Coffee Table Book to the Commander of Sri Lankan Army, Lieutenant General N.U.M.M.W. Senanayake, in New Delhi on March 06, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Commander of the Sri Lankan Navy, Vice Admiral Sirimevan Ranasinghe calling on the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Subhash Ramrao Bhamre, in New Delhi on March 14, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
13-May, 2018 14:58 IST
Visit of Coas to Sri Lanka

General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Army Staff shall be visiting Sri Lanka from 14 to 17 May 2018 on an official visit. It shall be the first visit of General Bipin Rawat to Sri Lanka. During the visit, he is scheduled to meet the senior most political and military hierarchy of Sri Lanka.

The visit assumes significance in light of India’s persistent efforts to strengthen the existing bonds of friendship and military cooperation based on mutual interests and understanding. Indian Army has been catering not only for varied training requirements of the Sri Lankan Army including imparting specific tailor-made training in different fields but also providing military hardware support. During the visit, the Chief of the Army Staff shall be inaugurating a communication Laboratory at School of Signals, Kandy, conceptualized and established by the Indian Army, to train the personnel of Sri Lanka Army Signal Corps. The Army Chief shall also be visiting the Sri Lanka Military Academy at Diyatalawa to exchange best practices related to pre-commissioning training being followed by the two armies.

Apart from interaction with the senior leadership of the three Services, General Bipin Rawat shall also be meeting the Regional Military Commanders at Kandy and Trincomalee. The visit is yet another milestone in reaching out to our immediate neighborhood and take forward the military to military cooperation to the next level.



Manoj Tuli

APRO (Army)

Ministry of Defence
11-May, 2018 16:43 IST
Joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Surveillance of Maldives

Indian Naval (IN) ship Sumedha, a Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV), has been deployed to undertake joint EEZ surveillance of Maldives from 09 to 17 May 18, as part of Indian Navy’s ‘Mission Based Deployments’. The ship would undertake an Operational Turnaround (OTR) at Male from 11 to 12 May 2018, during which the ship would interact and impart training to Maldives’ National Defence Forces (MNDF) personnel. Sumedha would also embark MNDF personnel onboard and undertake joint EEZ surveillance of Maldives from 12 to 15 May 2018. The MNDF personnel would be disembarked at Male, on completion of the EEZ surveillance.

Two officers and eight sailors of the Indian Navy’s Marine Commando (MARCO) cadre are currently conducting the 2nd Asymmetric Warfare Training Exercise ‘Ekatha 2018’ at Maldives, from 28 Apr to 15 May 2018. The exercise is being held at Composite Training Centre, Maafilhafushi, which is about 145 km North of Male. During the exercise training on various diving related issues including use and maintenance of diving equipment, medical emergencies, etc, are being imparted to MNDF personnel. The Indian Ambassador to Maldives also witnessed the training exercise on 06 and 07 May 2018. IN ship Sumedha would de-induct the IN MARCOs Training Team from Male on 15 May 2018.

The Joint EEZ surveillance of Maldives is an endeavour of the Government of India and the Indian Navy to ensure the safety and security of the vast EEZ of the island nation.

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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
07-September, 2018 16:51 IST
In Ships at Trincomalee, Sri Lanka for Slinex-18

Indian Naval Ships Kirch, Sumitra and Cora Divh entered Trincomalee, Sri Lanka to participate in the sixth edition of SLINEX 2018, a bi-lateral Naval Exercise between India and Sri Lanka, from 07 to 13 September 2018. The inaugural ceremony of the exercise held onboard SLNS Sayurala was attended by Rear Adm Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF) of Indian Navy and Rear Adm SA Weerasinghe, Commander Eastern Naval Area (COMEAST) and Rear Adm Ananda Kumar Guruge, Flag Officer Commanding Naval Fleet (FOCNF) of the Sri Lankan Navy.

In addition to three IN Ships, one ship-borne integral helicopter and two Maritime Patrol Aircraft Dornier are participating from Indian side while Sri Lankan Naval is represented by SLN Ships Sayurala, Samudra and Suranimala. The exercise is being conducted in two phases, with the harbour phase from 07 to 10 September 18 at Trincomalee during which, the participants will engage in professional, sporting and social interactions. The Harbour Phase will be followed by the Sea Phase from 11 Sep to 13 Sep 18 in the Bay of Bengal off Trincomalle and will include gun firings, communication procedures, seamanship as well as navigation evolutions and helicopter operations.


SLINEX series of bilateral maritime exercises were initiated in 2005 and since then five successful engagements have been conducted. SLINEX over the years has helped both the Navies in understanding each other's procedures and enhanced interoperability. This edition of the exercise will further strength ties between the two maritime neighbours and contribute towards maritime security in the region.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
15-November, 2018 16:54 IST
Indian Navy completes refit of Maldivian Coast Guard Ship Huravee

Maldivian Coast Guard Ship (MCGS) Huravee successfully completed her refit at Naval Dockyard Visakhapatnam and the ship was formally handed over to Major Mohamed Jamshad, Commanding Officer MCGS Huravee in a ceremony organised to commemorate the occasion on 15 November 2018. The chief guest for the function, Rear Admiral Amit Bose, Admiral Superintendent Naval Dockyard thereafter addressed the gathering wherein he ensured continued support of the Indian Navy to the Maldivian Coast Guard. The Commanding Officer also took this opportunity to thank the Indian Navy for the successful completion of the refit. The event concluded by customary crest exchange between the ship and the chief guest.



The four-month long refit to MCGS Huravee is an initiative by the Indian Navy undertaken in furtherance of the Indian Navy's diplomatic outreach to friendly foreign navies in the Indian Ocean Region. The ship had arrived at Visakhapatnam on 12 Jul 18 and successfully completed her refit on 14 Nov 18. During the refit, major repairs were undertaken on the ship’s hull, main propulsion and auxiliaries. In addition number of systems and equipment were upgraded for better performance and reliability. All equipment were put through extensive harbour and sea trials so as to achieve full combat capability of the ship and ensure her continuous availability for operations to the Maldives Coast Guard for next operational cycle.



MCGS Huravee was originally commissioned as INS Tillanchang, a Trinkat class patrol vessel built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkatta in Mar 2001 and was subsequently gifted to Maldives by the Govt of India in Apr 2006 to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations and work together to ensure the maritime safety of the Indian Ocean Region. The Indian Government through the Navy has undertaken such diplomatic courtesies previously when it undertook the refit of the ship in 2015.

DKS/AC


(Release ID :184770)