This demonstrates India's dedication to fostering collaboration with maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean Region

The Indian Navy recently participated in the inaugural India-Mozambique-Tanzania Trilateral Exercise (IMT TRILAT), a joint maritime exercise with the navies of Mozambique and Tanzania.

The exercise began on October 27 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and lasted for three days, till October 29, India's Ministry of Defence said on Saturday.

From the Indian Navy's side, guided missile frigate INS Tarkash, a Chetak helicopter, and MARCOS (Special Forces) took part in the exercise.

As per the ministry’s press release, the three main goals of the exercise were to improve interoperability, increase maritime cooperation, and develop capabilities to counter common threats via training and the exchange of best practices.

The exercise involved both harbour and sea phases.

The harbour phase included capability-building exercises including Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS), small weapons training, cooperative diving operations, damage control and fire-fighting drills, and cross-deck visits.

On the other hand, the sea phase involved boat activities, fleet maneuvers, operations for Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS), helicopter operations, small arms firing, formation anchoring, and EEZ patrols.

According to the Ministry of Defence, these drills demonstrate India's and the Indian Navy's dedication to fostering maritime security and collaboration with maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean Region and advancing SAGAR (Safety and Growth for All in the Region).