Port Blair, Oct. 11: Indian Naval Ship Kulish along with Indian Navy’s maritime patrol aircraft, Dornier from Andaman and Nicobar Command, Port Blair arrived today at Belawan, Indonesia for the opening ceremony of the 32nd edition of the India – Indonesia Coordinated Patrol (IND-INDO CORPAT). The CORPAT is being held from 11th to 27th October 2018. The Indian delegation for the CORPAT is being led by Commodore Ashutosh Ridhorkar, who is the Naval Component Commander in Andaman and Nicobar Command.

During the CORPAT, ships and aircrafts from both the countries would undertake patrolling on the respective sides of 236 nautical miles long International Maritime Boundary Line. This will be followed by a Closing Ceremony at Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Island, on 25th and 26th October 2018.

The visit seeks to underscore India’s peaceful presence and solidarity with friendly countries towards ensuring good order in the maritime domain, consolidate interoperability and strengthen existing bonds of friendship between India and Indonesia. During the stay in Belawan harbour various activities such as official calls, formal reception onboard ship and professional interactions have been planned. 

Indian Naval assets have been increasingly deployed in recent times to address the maritime concerns of the region. In addition, as part of the Indian Government’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), the Indian Navy has also been involved in assisting countries in the Indian Ocean Region with EEZ Surveillance, Search and Rescue and other capability-building and capability-enhancement activities. The current deployment will contribute towards the Indian Navy’s effort to consolidate inter-operability and forge strong bonds of friendship across the seas.