India- Indonesia to launch coordinated patrol in Indian Ocean

India- Indonesia to launch coordinated patrol in Indian OceanNew Delhi, Oct 16 : The Indian and Indonesian Navies are launching the 14th cycle of coordinated patrol codenamed Ind –Indo Corpat from October 18 to November 5.

The coordinated patrols are conducted to prevent piracy, armed robberies, poaching, illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and other illegal activities in the deep sea.

In pursuance of navy-to-navy cooperation in the Indian Ocean region, the Indian Navy and the Indonesian Navy conduct coordinated patrols of the International Maritime Boundary Line.

Both countries share International Maritime Boundary of about 300 nautical miles.

Andaman Nicobar Command’s Commander-in-Chief Vice Admiral Devendra Kumar Joshi and Commander of Indonesian Western Fleet Command would jointly control the operations.

The units operating will be under the tactical command of the Naval Officer-in-Charge (Andaman and Nicobar) at Port Blair and Commander of Sea Security Group of Western Fleet located at Tanjung Pinang.

The Indian Navy will be deploying a Landing Ship Tank (Medium) INS Mahish led by Commander MVR Krishna and a Fast Attack Craft (FAC) INS Trinkat led by Lt Commander Pushkar Kumar.

In addition there will be one Indian Naval Dornier. The Indonesian Navy will be deploying a corvette and a Dornier aircraft.

An opening ceremony for the Ind – Indo Corpat is scheduled on October 19 at Belawan, Indonesia and the Naval Officer-in-Charge (Andaman and Nicobar) Commodore P Suresh will lead the Indian delegation.

The closing ceremony will be conducted on November 4 at Port Blair. (ANI)