SITMEX-2021:

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Why in the news?

The 3rd edition of the Trilateral Maritime Exercise named SITMEX–21 was held from 15 to 16 Nov 21 in the Andaman Sea. The Navies of India, Singapore and Thailand participated in the event.

Objectives:

  • It aims to enhance the cooperation between the participating navies towards augmenting the overall maritime security in the region.

Key highlights:

  • The Navies of India, Singapore and Thailand will participate in the event.
  •   Indian Naval Ship (INS) Karmuk is participating in the 3rd edition from India.
  • Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) was represented by RSS Tenacious,a Formidable Class Frigate and Royal Thai Navy (RTN) by His Majesty's Thailand Ship (HTMS) Thayanchon, a Khamrosin Class Anti-submarine Patrol Craft.

About SITMEX:

  • The Prime Minister of India, during his keynote address at Shangri-La Dialogue in June 2018 announced the conduct of a trilateral naval exercise between India, Singapore and Thailand.
  • The first edition of Singapore-India-Thailand Maritime Exercise (SITMEX), hosted by the Indian Navy, was conducted off Port Blair in September 2019. SITMEX is conducted annually.
  • It aims to strengthen mutual confidence and develop common understanding and procedures towards enhancing the overall maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.
  • The exercise is in line with India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.

Additional Information:

What is SAGAR?

  • SAGAR, which stands for ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region’, was unveiled in 2015 on the occasion of the commissioning of the Indian built Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) Barracuda in the service of the National Coast Guard of Mauritius.
  • According to this vision, India would do everything to safeguard its mainland and islands and defend its interests. 
  • The Indian interests in this region are safety and security of Indian shipping, fishing, seaborne trade, energy supply, assets, and resources in the maritime domain and Indian citizens who are working overseas.
  • India will also work to ensure a safe, secure, and stable Indian Ocean region (IOR).
  • Through SAGAR, India seeks to deepen economic and security cooperation with its maritime neighbors and assist in building their maritime security capabilities.
  •   For this, India would cooperate on the exchange of information, coastal surveillance, building of infrastructure and strengthening their capabilities.

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