Overseas Deployment - 2011

OSD OF EASTERN FLEET TO SOUTH EAST ASIA

Indian Navy Ships Delhi, Ranvir, Ranvijay, Jyoti and Kirch sailed for Overseas Deployment (OSD) to South China Sea and Western Pacific in Mar-May 11 with following port calls:-

Singapore; Subic bay (Philippines); Vladivostok (Russia); Manila (Philippines); Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam); Bandar Sera Begawan (Brunei); Kota Kina Balu (Malaysia); Jakarta (Indonesia)

The engagement of navies of the South East Asian countries is in keeping with our Look East Policy. In order to show presence in this region, periodic deployments of Indian Naval Ships are routinely planned. Apart from South China Sea being an area of strategic significance, some of the countries in the region possess professional navies. These Navies are in the process of acquiring new platforms and weapon systems similar to ours. We therefore stand to gain from operational interaction and enhanced levels of cooperation with these countries, so that the IN can establish and nurture a fruitful relationship in this region.

The ships participated in the following Bilateral Exercises with foreign Navies during the OSD:-

Ser	Exercise	Navy	Location	Area
(a)	SIMBEX	Singapore Navy	Foreign	South China Sea
(b)	MALABAR	US Navy	Foreign	Western Pacific Ocean

One IN MR aircraft undertook Coordinated PSM with Fleet Units in South China Sea as part of SIMBEX from 18-26 Mar 11. The aircraft operated ex-Singapore for the above duration. The ships conducted PASSEX with host navies post/prior port calls to enhance Navy to Navy cooperation.

In order to ensure better coordination with multinational navies the ships embarked Sea Riders from friendly foreign navies. In addition, cross embarkation of personnel during PASSEX with host navies was also planned, as is the normal practice.

Overseas Deployment - 2010

OSD OF EASTERN FLEET TO SOUTH CHINA SEA AND AUSTRALIA

The Indian Naval Ships Ranjit, Rana, Jyoti and Kulish undertook an Overseas Deployment (OSD) to South China Sea and Australia from 17 May to 26 Jun 10, with an aim of extending Indian Navy’s goodwill and friendship across the seas. The ships entered the ports of Indonesia, Australia, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Philippines and Malaysia. This visit went a long way in reinforcing existing ties between the Indian Navy and host navies and provided a fillip to the bilateral engagement process. The convergence of interests and the common challenges that confront countries in the maritime domain provided the underpinnings for strong cooperation between the navies. The ships also undertook varied Community Welfare Services in foreign ports which was appreciated by the local populace and media. During the OSD, the ships undertook Presence-cum-Surveillance Mission (PSM) in the Malacca Strait, South China Sea, Lombok and Sunda Strait, Indian Ocean and Philippines Sea. The ships also carried out Passage Exercises (PASSEX) with Australian, Indonesia, Thai, Philippines and the Malaysian Navies. INS Jyoti also participated in Queen’s Baton Relay held in Muara, Brunei, for the Commonwealth Games 2010.

Western Fleet is currently on OSD to ports in Seychelles, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, South Africa, Reunion Islands and Mauritius. The ships sailed for the OSD on 13 Aug 10 from Mumbai and are scheduled to return on 16 Oct 10. During the OSD, ships will participate in the second edition of IBSAMAR along with Navies of South Africa and Brazil. The ships will also exercise with the Defence Forces of the other countries that are being visited.