AMN/ WEB DESK
The second edition of the bilateral naval exercise Bongosagar between India and Bangladesh started on Saturday in Northern Bay of Bengal. Ships from both navies are participating in surface warfare drills, seamanship evolutions and helicopter operations.
Bongosagar will be followed by the third edition of India Bangladesh Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) on 4-5 October.
According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Defence, the exercise Bongosagar is aimed at developing interoperability and joint operational skills through conduct of maritime exercises and operations.
During the CORPAT exercise, both navies will undertake joint patrolling along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).
The indigenously built Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kiltan, and an indigenously built Guided-Missile Corvette INS Khukri, will be participating in the exercise along with Bangladesh Naval Ship (BNS) Abu Bakr, a Guided-Missile Frigate and BNS Prottoy, a Guided-Missile Corvette.
In addition to ships, Maritime Patrol Aircraft from both navies and integral helicopters would also be participating in the exercise.
The first edition of the Exercise Bongosagar, was held in 2019.
The Exercise Bongosagar and IN – BN CORPAT reflects the priority Indian Navy accords to Bangladesh Navy as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region), said the release.