In News:

• The 32nd edition of SIMBEX—India’s longest continuously conducted maritime bilateral exercise—was held from 28 July to 1 August 2025, hosted by Singapore. It included a Harbour Phase at Changi Naval Base and a Sea Phase in the southern South China Sea.
• Indian participation: INS Satpura, alongside INS Delhi, INS Kiltan, and the support vessel INS Shakti.
• Singapore Navy elements: RSN Vigilance and RSN Supreme, supported by MV Mentor and aerial units—S-70B Seahawk, Fokker-50 aircraft, and F-15SG fighters.

Objectives & Activities

Harbour Phase

• Featured Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), professional presentations, and strategic interactions.
• Conducted deck familiarisation visits aboard respective ships to foster doctrinal alignment

Sea Phase

• Encompassed advanced drill sequences, including:
  • Air defence exercises, cross-deck helicopter operations
  • Precision targeting, complex manoeuvres, and VBSS operations (Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure)
• Concluded with a ceremonial sail-past, symbolising professionalism and unity.

Geopolitical Landscape

• Strategic Reach: Deployment of Indian vessels to Philippines and Vietnam — alongside participation in SIMBEX—demonstrates India’s extended operational posture in Southeast Asia amidst regional tensions, notably with China’s maritime assertiveness.
• Broader Continuity: The Indian Navy, operating via the Andaman and Nicobar Command, employs SIMBEX as part of a broader matrix of maritime outreach in the region, including CORPAT and MILAN exercises