Indian Navy Chief R Hari Kumar participates in the 25th ISS in the US

Tags: Defence

Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) of the Indian Navy participated in the 25th International Sea Power Symposium (ISS) in the United States of America.

An Overview of the News

• The event was organized by the US Navy and was held at the US Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island from September 19 to 22, 2023.

• CNS R Hari Kumar participated in bilateral talks with naval counterparts from several countries including the United States, Australia, Egypt, Fiji, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Peru, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and the UK.

Operating Partnerships and Exercises

• It emphasized the Indian Navy's commitment to enhance operational partnership with the United States Navy in various exercises including MALABAR, RIMPAC, Sea Dragon and Tiger Triumph.

• Detailed discussions took place regarding human resource management in the context of ISS, with a focus on recruitment, retention and gender equality within the Indian Navy.

Strengthening Defense Relations

• The visit of CNS Admiral R Hari Kumar further strengthened defense ties between India and the United States.

• The visit provided valuable opportunities for high-level naval engagement with diverse partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

Military Exercises

Army Exercises:

• Yudh Abhyas: Held at both brigade and battalion levels, around 250 soldiers from each army participate.

• Vajra Prahar (Army Special Forces): A special forces exercise between American and Indian squads.

Air Force Exercise:

• Cope India: Aerial exercise conducted at various Indian Air Force stations.

Tri-Service Exercises:

• Tiger Triumph (TRIUMPH): A tri-service amphibious exercise involving the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as well as the US Navy and Marine Corps.

Multilateral Exercises:

• Malabar Naval Exercise: It involves India, the US, Australia, and Japan. Australia and Japan joined in recent years, with the latest edition being held in Australia in August 2023.

• RIMPAC Naval Exercise: The world's largest naval exercise conducted by the US Navy, with India's participation in the 22nd edition in 2022.

Special Exercises between India and America:

• Exercise Sangam: A joint Naval Special Forces exercise involving India's MARCOS and US Navy SEALs.

• Exercise Tarkash: A joint exercise between elite counter-terrorism forces of the two countries, including India's National Security Guard and US special forces.