Indian Navy to Join 32nd SIMBEX 2025 with Four Indigenous Warships, Strengthening Maritime Ties with Singapore.
Defence
In July 2025, the Indian Navy deployed four indigenously built vessels—INS Delhi, INS Satpura, INS Kiltan, and INS Shakti—to participate in the 32nd Singapore–India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) scheduled later this month in Singapore. The exercise aligns with India's Vision SAGAR and Act East Policy, boosting cooperation and regional maritime security.
- Under the command of Rear Admiral Sushil Menon, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, the Indian squadron comprising the destroyer INS Delhi, guided‑missile frigate INS Satpura, INS Kiltan, and support tanker INS Shakti sailed to Singapore for SIMBEX 2025. These vessels represent India’s naval self‑reliance and blue‑water capabilities.
Main Point :- (i) SIMBEX is the longest uninterrupted annual bilateral naval exercise between India and Singapore since its initiation in 1994 (initially called “Lion King Exercise”). Over the decades, it has evolved from a focus on anti-submarine warfare to a comprehensive exercise including air defence, anti-surface operations, maritime domain awareness, and search-and-rescue drills.
(ii) SIMBEX typically unfolds in two phases: a Harbour Phase featuring professional exchanges, cross-deck visits, sports events, and planning sessions; followed by a Sea Phase involving live weapon firings, anti-submarine exercises (ASW), air defence manoeuvres, communication drills, and tactical training in air, surface, and underwater domains. These build interoperability and operational synergy.
(iii) Participation in SIMBEX 2025 underscores India’s commitment to Vision SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the Act East Policy, enhancing regional maritime security amid threats like piracy and non-state actors. India’s High Commissioner to Singapore, Shilpak Ambule, described the exercise as integral to fostering rules-based maritime order and strengthening India–ASEAN naval cooperation.
About Indian Navy (IN)
Current Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS): Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi
Headquarters: New Delhi
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