India : The second edition of the India-Mozambique-Tanzania Trilateral Exercise wrapped up in Nacala, Mozambique, on Thursday, as confirmed by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Friday.
The week-long exercise highlighted the significance of enhanced maritime cooperation and interoperability among the navies of the three countries. INS Tir and INS Sujata participated in “IMT TRILAT 24” through a series of joint exercises, training sessions, and collaborative activities, providing invaluable opportunities for all three navies to exchange knowledge, enhance capabilities, and bolster maritime security in the region.
The exercise unfolded in two phases. The initial harbour phase, conducted from 2-24 March, included intensive training sessions held concurrently onboard INS Tir at Zanzibar and INS Sujata at Maputo. Activities encompassed vital training on Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS), Damage Control and Firefighting Drills, communication procedures, and medical lectures, including CPR demonstration and casualty evacuation (CASEVAC).
The sea phase commenced on 24 March, with INS Tir and INS Sujata hosting sea riders from the Tanzanian and Mozambique Navies, respectively. Joint operations with Mozambique Naval ship Namatili and Tanzanian naval ship Fatundu demonstrated significant synergy and sustained efforts with the regional Navies, aligning with the vision of SAGAR (Security & Growth for All in the Region).
The sea evolutions involved simulated VBSS exercises and night manoeuvres, with sea riders receiving training on bridge watch keeping, damage control, and firefighting. The ships also conducted joint surveillance of the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) off Tanzania and Mozambique in the area of operation.
The closing ceremony, held onboard INS Tir and INS Sujata at Nacala, Mozambique, saw representatives from all three navies. The closing remarks highlighted the successful collaboration, understanding of maritime capabilities, and shared objectives achieved during the exercise. It emphasized continued collaboration towards maritime security and regional stability, reaffirming India’s commitment as the preferred security partner.
