The trilateral maritime exercise will involve the Indian, Brazilian, and South African Navies

Indian Naval Ship INS Tarkash has arrived in Port Grequhrea, also known as Port Elizabeth, South Africa to take part in the seventh exercise of IBSAMAR, a trilateral maritime exercise involving the Indian, Brazilian, and South African Navies.

Along with the Teg class guided missile frigate INS Tarkash, the Indian Navy is also represented by the Chetak helicopter and the members of the Marine Commando Force (MARCOS), the Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday.

During the harbor phase of IBSAMAR VII, professional exchanges like damage control and firefighting exercises, VBSS/cross-boarding lectures, and contact among special forces will be conducted.

As per the Ministry’s official press release, the Joint Maritime Exercise will improve maritime security, joint operational training, exchange of best practices, and strengthen interoperability to meet shared maritime threats.

Exercise IBSAMAR, which started in 2008, is the most visible example of the strong naval cooperation between Brazil, India, and South Africa. It also best exemplifies the strong, long-term strategic connection between the three democracies and their dynamic economies.

The exercise’s last edition was held from October 1 to October 13, 2018, off the coast of Simonstown, South Africa.

That exercise's main goals were to improve interoperability between the three fleets and create standard operating procedures for maritime security operations. For the benefit of the whole maritime community, the exercise also improved maritime security in the Indian Ocean region and beyond.