In News:

The Indian Navy is participating in the 32nd edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) in Singapore in July 2025. It marks one of the longest uninterrupted bilateral naval exercises India has with any country.

What is SIMBEX?

• SIMBEX stands for Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise
• It is an annual naval exercise conducted between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)
• Origin: Initiated in 1994 as Exercise Lion King
• It has evolved into a complex maritime engagement, showcasing interoperability in surface, subsurface, and air operations

Significance

• It supports India’s Vision SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the Act East Policy
• Promotes regional maritime security cooperation and ensures the safety of sea lanes of communication (SLOCs)
• Reinforces commitment to a rules-based international maritime order, especially amidst rising piracy and threats from non-state actors

Indian Navy’s Participation (2025 Edition)

• The Indian naval contingent includes:
  • INS Delhi – Guided missile destroyer
  • INS Satpura – Stealth frigate
  • INS Shakti – Fleet replenishment tanker
  • INS Kiltan – Anti-submarine corvette
• These vessels are indigenously designed and equipped with advanced systems for high-seas operations

Strategic Engagement Highlights

• SIMBEX is a critical part of India’s expanding maritime diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific
• The naval exercise is conducted alongside a goodwill visit to Singapore, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of India-Singapore diplomatic ties
• Following Singapore, the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet is also scheduled to visit the Philippines and Vietnam

Broader Defence Cooperation with Singapore

In addition to SIMBEX, India and Singapore engage in:

• Exercise Agni Warrior (Army)
• Joint Military Training (JMT) (Air Force)

India also engages with ASEAN through:

• ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (First held in 2023, co-hosted by Singapore)
• Participation in ASEAN-led forums like:
  • ADMM-Plus
  • ASEAN Regional Forum
  • East Asia Summit

Vision SAGAR & Maritime Security

India’s Vision SAGAR emphasizes:

• Collaborative maritime partnerships
• Combating common maritime threats (e.g., piracy, trafficking, and disasters)
• Securing economic and strategic interests in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)