The Indian Navy’s frontline stealth frigate, “INS Talwar”, has arrived at Simon’s Town to participate in the eighth edition of IBSAMAR, a multinational maritime exercise involving India, Brazil, and South Africa. This joint naval drill, scheduled from October 6 to 18, 2024, aims to bolster cooperation, enhance interoperability, and strengthen ties between the participating navies.
Upon docking, the Commanding Officer of “INS Talwar”, Captain Jithu George, made several key calls, emphasizing diplomatic and operational collaboration between the Indian and South African navies. Captain George met with Rear Admiral Musawenkosi Nkomonde, Flag Officer Fleet of the South African Navy, in a significant step toward enhancing defence ties between the two nations. Their discussions likely covered the upcoming naval exercises and broader maritime security concerns, reinforcing the mutual commitment to regional peace and maritime cooperation.
In addition to his meeting with Rear Admiral Nkomonde, Captain George paid formal visits to local civil authorities, including the Magistrate, the Councillor, and the Station Commander of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Simon’s Town. These interactions underline the goodwill and diplomatic outreach accompanying the military cooperation as part of “INS Talwar”’s mission in South Africa.
The exercise, IBSAMAR VIII, will focus on Blue Water Naval Warfare, involving drills in surface and anti-air warfare, alongside joint professional engagements like damage control and firefighting, aviation safety, and special forces training. The exercise is a testament to the deepening defence cooperation between India and South Africa, which has seen a marked increase following the 12th edition of the Navy-to-Navy talks in New Delhi earlier this year.
“INS Talwar” was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2003 and operates under the Western Naval Command in Mumbai. Its presence in South Africa signals India's ongoing commitment to fostering constructive international partnerships and maintaining a peaceful, secure maritime environment.(pr)