In News:

The Indian Navy's platforms—INS Shardul, an amphibious warfare ship, and the P-8I Long Range Maritime Surveillance Aircraft—participated in the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2025 and the 5th edition of the Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo held in Bali, Indonesia, from 15 to 22 February 2025.

International Fleet Review (IFR) 2025

• IFR 2025 is a prestigious multinational naval event reviewed by the President of Indonesia.
• Participating nations showcased naval assets including warships, helicopters, and maritime aircraft.
• The Indian Navy took part in:
  • International Maritime Security Symposium
  • Tactical floor games
  • City parade
  • Coral and mangrove plantation
  • Beach cleaning activities
  • Baby turtle release, promoting environmental and maritime sustainability.

Exercise Komodo 2025

• Initiated in 2014, Exercise Komodo is a non-combat multilateral naval exercise hosted by the Indonesian Navy.
• The 2025 edition had the theme: "Maritime Partnership for Peace and Stability".
• Objectives:
  • Promote maritime cooperation
  • Enhance interoperability
  • Foster regional security cooperation
• Key Features:
  • Participation from 39 countries
  • Involvement of 34 foreign and 18 Indonesian Navy warships
  • Included:
    • Naval exercises
    • Officer exchange forums
    • Bilateral naval meetings
    • Defense exhibition
    • Cultural parades

Strategic Context and Bilateral Engagements

• The participation builds upon the Indian Navy’s involvement in the La Pérouse exercises in Indonesia (January 2025) involving INS Mumbai and a P-8I aircraft.
• It coincided with the visit of Admiral Muhammad Ali, Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy, to India during the Republic Day 2025, accompanying President Prabowo Subianto as the Chief Guest.

Significance for India

• The participation reaffirms India’s commitment to SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
• It strengthens India-Indonesia defense ties and underscores India's proactive role in regional maritime diplomacy and environmental stewardship.