Indian Navy Participates In World’s Largest Maritime Exercise

HONOLULU, HI (IANS) – Indian Navy’s indigenous stealth frigate INS Shivalik, mission deployed to the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean, has arrived at Pearl Harbor to participate in the 29th edition of the biennial Rim of the Pacific, the world’s largest international maritime exercise, being held here.

According to the US Navy, approximately 29 nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, over 150 aircraft, and more than 25,000 personnel will train and operate in and around the Hawaiian Islands during the exercise — being held under the theme of ‘Partners: Integrated and Prepared’ – which runs until August 1.

Labeling it yet another example of building “bridges of friendship” between India and the United States, the Indian Navy stated that the harbor phase of the exercise will run till July 7 and will include professional interactions, cross-deck visits, insightful workshops, and team building sessions.

The exercise, hosted by the Commander of the US Pacific Fleet, will witness the participating forces integrate and exercise a wide range of capabilities, from disaster relief to maritime security operations, and from sea control to complex warfighting.

“The Rim of the Pacific exercise has grown over the years to be the world’s largest and premier joint combined maritime training opportunity. The exercise’s purpose is to build relationships, to enhance interoperability and proficiency and, ultimately, contribute to the peace and stability in the vitally important Indo-Pacific region,” said Vice Admiral John Wade, Commander, US 3rd Fleet and RIMPAC 2024 Combined Task Force (CTF) commander.

Various amphibious operations, gunnery, missile, anti-submarine, and air defense exercises, as well as military medicine, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, counter-piracy, mine clearance operations, explosive ordnance disposal, and diving and salvage operations will also be conducted during the exercise.

Besides India, the participating countries include Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, Ecuador, France, Germany, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, South Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga, United Kingdom and the USA.