New Delhi, Oct 3 (KNN) The expanded version of the 26th edition of the coordinated patrol (CORPAT), with the first ever bilateral exercise element embedded began on Saturday.

Under the broad ambit of this strategic partnership, the two navies have been carrying out CORPAT along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) twice a year since 2002, with the aim of keeping this vital part of the Indian Ocean Region safe and secure for commercial shipping and international trade.

The CORPAT has strengthened understanding and interoperability between the navies, instituting measures to prosecute vessels engaged in unlawful activities and conducting Search and Rescue as well as pollution control.

INS Saryu, an indigenously built NOPV based at the Andaman and Nicobar Command, along with a Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft is participating in the two week programme.
Inaugural India-Indonesia Bilateral Maritime exercise is scheduled on October 17 and 18, 2015 in the Andaman Sea.

The importance of this bilateral cooperation has increased significantly with the scheduling of the first Bilateral Maritime Exercise along with the 26th edition of the CORPAT being held this year. (KNN Bureau)