The Indian Navy will participate in the 32nd edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX), underscoring its continued naval cooperation with Singapore. SIMBEX, one of India’s longest-running uninterrupted maritime exercises, is held annually with the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), and this years edition will take place in Singapore later this month. Initially known as Exercise Lion King, SIMBEX has evolved significantly over the past three decades.

Indian High Commissioner to Singapore, Shilpak Ambule, highlighted the steady growth in naval ties between India and regional navies, particularly Singapore. Speaking aboard INS Shakti—which, along with INS Delhi, Satpura, and Kiltan, is part of the Eastern Fleet visiting Singapore from July 16–19—Ambule emphasized how such engagements align with India’s Vision SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the Act East policy. These initiatives focus on strengthening regional maritime cooperation amidst evolving challenges.

Ambule stressed the importance of collaborative efforts in maritime security, citing India’s successful coordination in recent humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) and search and rescue (SAR) operations in the Arabian Sea, which have earned international recognition. Such actions, he noted, reinforce the significance of maintaining a rules-based global maritime order to ensure freedom of navigation and secure trade routes. He warned that maritime threats such as piracy and activities by non-state actors continue to pose significant risks, underscoring the need for collective resolve to counter such challenges.

Furthering its commitment to international maritime collaboration, the Indian Navy is set to host several major events next year in Visakhapatnam, including the International Fleet Review, the MILAN Multinational Naval Exercise, and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs. This will be followed by the Goa Maritime Conclave, aimed at fostering dialogue on maritime challenges and enhancing regional partnerships.

Ambule also noted India’s longstanding cultural and historical ties with ASEAN nations, which have grown stronger through trade and shared security interests. He cited the successful ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise of 2023—co-hosted with Singapore—as a testament to deepening regional naval cooperation. India’s active role in ASEAN-led platforms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum, ADMM-Plus, and support for the East Asia Summit further reflects its commitment to regional stability. He praised Singapore’s efforts in strengthening India’s links with ASEAN, particularly as both nations mark 60 years of diplomatic relations.

During the goodwill visit, Rear Admiral Susheel Menon, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, along with the Indian Navy contingent, were welcomed to Singapore. The visiting warships—including the destroyer INS Delhi, frigate INS Satpura, corvette INS Kiltan, and fleet tanker INS Shakti—are all indigenously developed and equipped for modern naval operations. After Singapore, the fleet will proceed to visit the Philippines and Vietnam before returning to their base in Visakhapatnam.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Navy.