India, Thailand, Singapore naval exercise concludes in Andaman Sea

Context

• The Naval exercise SITMEX-20 is concluded in the Andaman Sea.

What is SITMEX-20?

• It was the second edition of the exercise.
• The naval exercise was conducted in between three countries- India, Thailand and Singapore.
• The first edition of SITMEX, hosted by the Indian Navy, was conducted off Port Blair in September 2019.
• The exercise was being conducted as a ‘non-contact, at sea only’ exercise in view of COVID-19 pandemic.
• It was hosted by the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).

Naval ships deployed in the exercise

• The Indian Navy deployed indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare corvette INS Kamorta and missile corvette INS Karmuk for the exercise.
• Singapore deployed a ‘Formidable’ Class frigate ‘Intrepid’ and ‘Endurance’ Class Landing Ship Tank ‘Endeavour’.
• The Royal Thai Navy deployed a ‘Chao Phraya’ Class frigate ‘Kraburi’ for the exercise.

What is it’s significance?

• It highlights growing synergy, coordination and cooperation in the maritime domain between the three navies.