Indian corvette, aircraft reach Belawan for 32nd IND-INDO CORPAT

October 11, 2018

The Indian Navy’s Kora-class missile corvette INS Kulish (P63) and naval maritime patrol aircraft Dornier entered Belawan harbor in Indonesia for the opening ceremony of the 32nd edition of India – Indonesia coordinated patrol (IND-INDO CORPAT).

The coordinated patrol starts October 11 and is scheduled to conclude on October 27.

Indian Naval Ship Kulish & Dornier Aircraft reach Belawan, Indonesia for 32nd India-Indonesia coordinated patrol (CORPAT) https://t.co/cSMHB5tHT7 @SpokespersonMoD @DefenceMinIndia pic.twitter.com/1BKOOkIULi

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) October 11, 2018

The ships and aircraft from both countries would undertake patrols on the respective sides of the 236 nautical-miles-long international maritime boundary line.

As informed by the Indian defense ministry, the patrols would be conducted in three phases from Oct 14 to 24, followed by a closing ceremony at Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Island, scheduled for Oct 25-26.

“The visit seeks to emphasize India’s peaceful presence and solidarity with friendly countries towards ensuring good order in the maritime domain, consolidate interoperability and strengthen existing bonds of friendship between the two countries,” Ministry of Defence of India said in a statement.

During their stay in Belawan, various activities are planned such as official calls, formal reception onboard, ship open to visitors and professional interactions.

In the past, Indian naval assets have been increasingly deployed to address maritime concerns of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). In addition, the navy has been involved in assisting countries in the IOR with EEZ surveillance, search and rescue, other capacity-building and capability-enhancement activities.

Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) and the Indian Navy have been carrying out coordinated patrolling twice a year since 2002 near the international maritime boundary line to keep this part of the Indian Ocean region safe and secure for commercial shipping and international trade.