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Context

The 4th edition of Bilateral Exercise, BONGOSAGAR-23, and the 5th edition of Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) took place in the Northern Bay of Bengal, showcasing the collaborative efforts between the Indian Navy and the Bangladesh Navy.

Details

Participants

• Indian Navy:
  • INS Kuthar (Guided-missile Corvette)
  • INS Kiltan (Anti-submarine Corvette)
  • Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) Dornier
  • The participating Indian Navy ships, INS Kuthar and INS Kiltan, are integral components of the Eastern Fleet based at Visakhapatnam.
• Bangladesh Navy:
  • Ships Abu Bakr and Abu Ubaidah
  • MPA

Activities

Joint Patrolling:

• Undertook joint patrolling along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).
• Promoted coordination and cooperation between the two navies.

Maritime Exercises:

• Conducted maritime exercises to enhance interoperability.
• Included communication drills, surface gun-shoots, and tactical manoeuvres.

Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Drills:

• Maiden HADR drills conducted.
• Practiced Search and Rescue scenarios at sea to bolster preparedness.

BONGOSAGAR Exercise

• BONGOSAGAR is an annual bilateral exercise between the Indian Navy and the Bangladesh Navy.
• The first edition of Exercise BONGOSAGAR took place in 2019, establishing the foundation for annual maritime engagements between India and Bangladesh.

Objectives:

• Aimed at developing a high degree of interoperability and joint operational skills.
• Conducts a wide spectrum of maritime exercises and operations to enhance cooperation between the two navies.

IN-BN CORPAT

• Following Exercise BONGOSAGAR, the 3rd edition of India-Bangladesh Coordinated Patrol (IN-BN CORPAT) is scheduled.
• Involves joint patrolling along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).

Significance of CORPAT:

• CORPATs have played a vital role in strengthening understanding between the Indian and Bangladesh Navies.
• Instituted measures to curb unlawful activities and ensure maritime security in the Bay of Bengal.

Related Exercises

SAMPRITI:

• Type: Military Exercise
• Focus: Enhancing cooperation and interoperability between the Indian and Bangladesh Armies. 

Shantir Ogroshena:

• Type: Military Exercise by Bangladesh
• Nature: Multinational
• Objective: Promoting regional stability through joint military efforts.

TABLE TOP (Air):

• Type: Military Exercise in the Air Domain
• Nature: Multinational
• Participation: Involves both Indian and Bangladeshi Air Forces.

SAMVEDNA:

• Type: Multinational Air Exercise
• Participants: Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and UAE.
• Objective: Joint training and cooperation in the air domain.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Discuss the evolving dynamics of defence relations between India and Bangladesh, highlighting key collaborative initiatives and their implications on regional security. Evaluate the role of joint exercises and coordinated patrols in fostering mutual understanding and addressing common security challenges. (250 words)