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SIMBEX Exercise - Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise | UPSC International Relations Notes!

Last Updated on Jan 08, 2024
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A Maritime Bilateral Exercise between Singapore and India is known as the SIMBEX Exercise. In 1994, the Singapore and Indian Navy launched SIMBEX. Improving marine cooperation between Singapore and India is the core objective of SIMBEX. SIMBEX 2021, which took place from 2 September to 4 September 2021, was the 28th edition of this exercise. 

Source: PIB

SIMBEX Exercise is one of the Crucial topics for the International Relations subject for General Studies Paper-2 in the UPSC Mains Examination.

In this article, we are going to discuss the SIMBEX Military Exercise, the 28th Edition of SIMBEX, the Previous Edition of SIMBEX, the way forward & more.

Also, check out the List of Joint Military Exercises of India here.

What is SIMBEX (Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise)?

An annual bilateral naval exercise between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy is known as the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX). SIMBEX has developed over time, moving beyond its initial focus on anti-submarine warfare to incorporate components of maritime security, anti-air, and anti-surface warfare. Various planning conferences and simulator-based wargames are part of the harbour phases. The Indian High Commission in Singapore noted in a statement that “SIMBEX is the longest uninterrupted naval exercise that India has with any other country.”

The SIMBEX exercise served as a spark for the two navies’ cordial relations and marine cooperation. It aims to increase mutual trust, improve interoperability, and create more synergy between both navies to meet common maritime challenges.

Phases of SIMBEX Exercise

SIMBEX is divided into two phases: the Harbour and the Sea phase.

  • The exercise comprised a Harbour Phase in Visakhapatnam from October 26 to 27, 2022, followed by a Sea Phase in the Bay of Bengal from October 28 to 30, 2022.
  • Republic of Singapore Navy's two ships, RSS Stalwart (a Formidable Class Frigate) and RSS Vigilance (a Victory Class Corvette), arrived in Visakhapatnam on October 25, 2022, for their participation in the exercise.
  • Rear Admiral Sean Wat Jianwen, Fleet Commander of the Republic of Singapore Navy, held meetings with Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, and Rear Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, on October 25, 2022, where they discussed various matters of mutual interest.
  • During the Harbour Phase, the two navies engaged in extensive professional and sporting interactions, including cross-deck visits, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE), and planning meetings.

Also, read the Malabar Exercise for UPSC here!

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SIMBEX Exercise 2023

The SIMBEX Exercise 2023 took place in Singapore. It involved the participation of Indian Naval Ships, including:

  • the guided-missile destroyer Ranvijay,
  • the ASW corvette Kavaratti,
  • the submarine Sindhukesari, and
  • the long-range Maritime Patrol Aircraft P8I.

The exercise, first held in 1994, marked its 30th edition. It began with an opening ceremony attended by personnel from both the Indian and Singaporean navies. 

During the Harbour Phase, various professional interactions, expert exchanges, and joint exercises were conducted. A Joint Standard Operating Procedure for Submarine Rescue was signed between India and Singapore. The Commanding Officers of the Indian Navy contingent also paid tribute at the Kranji War Memorial. The Sea Phase of SIMBEX 23 involved complex maritime security exercises.

SIMBEX 23 concluded on a positive note. It reinforced the strong friendship and interoperability between the two maritime nations.

Study the article on the Yudh Abhyas here.

29th Edition of Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise ‘SIMBEX’
  • 29th Edition of Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise ‘SIMBEX’ was hosted by the Indian Navy from 26 to 30 October 2022 at Visakhapatnam.
  • The two phases of SIMBEX-2022 are the Harbour Phase at Visakhapatnam (October 26–27, 2022) and the Sea Phase in the Bay of Bengal (October 28–30, 2022). 
  • In order to take part in the exercise, two ships from the Republic of Singapore Navy, RSS Stalwart (a Formidable Class Frigate) and RSS Vigilance (a Victory Class Corvette) arrived in Visakhapatnam on October 25, 2022.
  • On October 25, 2022, Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Eastern Naval Command, and Rear Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, had a visit from Rear Admiral Sean Wat Jianwen, Fleet Commander of the Republic of Singapore Navy. 
  • During the Harbour Phase, there were numerous professional and recreational exchanges between the two fleets, including cross-deck visits, SMEEs, and planning sessions.
  • Exercise Lion King was the original name for the SIMBEX series of exercises, which debuted in 1994. 
  • Over the past two decades, the exercise’s complexity and scope have significantly increased to incorporate cutting-edge naval training that encompasses a variety of maritime missions. 
  • The drill is a prime example of India and Singapore’s intense maritime cooperation. It also emphasises the two countries’ dedication and support for boosting marine security in the Indian Ocean region.

Also, check the article on Sampriti Exercise for the UPSC Exam here!

28th Edition of Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise ‘SIMBEX’
  • The South China Sea hosted the 28th Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX). This year’s SIMBEX exercise was conducted as an “at-sea only” exercise without any physical intervention because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Despite these limitations throughout the planning stages, both navies were able to execute a number of challenging evolutions, such as live weapon firing and modern naval warfare serials, such as anti-submarine, anti-air, and anti-surface warfare drills, in a smooth and safe manner. The size and intricacy of the drills speak volumes about the level of cooperation between the two Navies.
  • 28th SIMBEX is taking place alongside the ongoing celebrations of India’s 75th anniversary of independence, making it a memorable occasion. The success of SIMBEX 2021 is another example of both parties’ shared commitment to fortifying their bilateral relationship in the next years.
  • The bilateral relationship between India and Singapore continues to be significantly impacted by its defence ties, which span a wide range of cooperation from traditional military-to-military exchanges to HADR and cyber security.
  • In this exercise, ASW Corvette INS Kiltan, Guided Missile Corvette INS Kora, one P8I Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft, and the Guided Missile Destroyer INS Ranvijay with a ship-borne helicopter all served as representatives for the Indian Navy.
  • The RSS Vigour, a Victory Class Missile Corvette, the RSS Steadfast, a Formidable Class Frigate, an S-70B naval helicopter, an Archer Class Submarine, and a Fokker-50 Maritime Patrol Aircraft were representatives of the RSN. The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), which has four F-16 fighter jets, also took part in the exercise during the Air Defence Drills.
  • Both navies are represented in each other’s maritime information fusion centres, and they recently inked a contract on coordinated and shared support for submarine rescue operations.

Also, check the article on the red flag exercise for the UPSC Exam here!

Background on Previous Edition of Simbex Military Exercise

The IMBEX series of exercises, which commenced in 1994 and was originally named Exercise Lion King, has evolved significantly in terms of scope and complexity over the last twenty years. These exercises now encompass advanced naval drills that span various maritime operations, showcasing the strong collaboration between India and Singapore in the maritime sector. Additionally, they underscore both nations' dedication to enhancing maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region. Over the years, there have been 28 editions of the SIMBEX exercise, with the most recent being in 2021. Let’s discuss some of the main highlights of some of the previous editions of SIMBEX.

SIMBEX Exercise 2021

  • It took place in the southern reaches of the South China Sea and took place from September 02 to 04, 2021. The RSN (Republic of Singapore Navy) served as the host.
  • The Indian Navy was represented by the guided missile destroyer INS Ranvijay, the guided missile corvette INS Kora, the anti-submarine warfare corvette INS Kiltan, and the P8I Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
  • The SIMEX 2021 was conducted as an “at-sea only” exercise without any physical contact in the midst of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Also, read India China hand in hand exercise for UPSC here!

SIMBEX Exercise 2020

  • The Andaman Sea hosted the 27th iteration of the SIMBEX exercise in November 2020.
  • Indian Navy ships, including the destroyer Rana with an integrated Chetak helicopter and the locally built corvettes Kamorta and Karmuk, participated in the 2020 edition of SIMBEX.
  • The exercise also included participation from the IN submarine Sindhuraj and the P8I maritime surveillance plane.

SIMBEX Exercise 2019

  • The 26th Edition of SIMBEX, or SIMBEX 2019, took place in Singapore in May 2019.
  • India was represented by the Indian Navy ships Kolkata and Shakti.
  • India and Singapore’s joint maritime drill has resulted in tactical and operational collaboration.
  • Along with IN Ships, Poseidon-8I (P8I), a long-range maritime patrol aircraft, represented the Indian Navy.
  • The Republic of Singapore Navy was represented by the ships Steadfast and Valiant, the Fokker-50 (F-50) maritime patrol aircraft, and the F-16 fighter aircraft.

Also, check out Mitra Shakti Exercise here.

SIMBEX Exercise 2018

  • It was held in Port Blair in November 2018.
  • The participating ships included the RSN Ships – Formidable, Steadfast, Unity, Valiant, and Vigor as well as the INS Ships – Ranvijay, Satpura, Sahyadri, Shakti, Kirch, Kadmatt, Sumedha, and Sukanya.
  • The Singapore Navy’s Fokker F50 and the Indian Navy’s P8I maritime patrol aircraft also participated.

सिम्बेक्स अभ्यास के बारे में यहां हिंदी में भी पढ़ें!SIMBEX Exercise 2017

  • It was held in Singapore in 2017.
  • Shivalik, Sahyadri, Kamorta, and Jyoti from INS Ships attended SIMBEX 2017.
  • Project 17 indigenous multi-role stealth frigates Shivalik and Sahyadri Ships.
  • The Project 28 stealth corvette Kamorta is an anti-submarine vessel.
  • Jyoti is a tanker that replenishes fleets.
  • The P8i anti-submarine and reconnaissance aircraft and integrated Chetak helicopters were there, in addition to the four ships of the Indian Navy.
  • The Singapore Navy was represented by the Victory (missile corvette), Supreme (Formidable class multirole stealth frigates), Sikorsky S-70B helicopter, RSAF F-15, a Fokker F-50 maritime patrol aircraft, and F-16 fighter jets.

Also, read the Maitree exercise for UPSC here!

Latest Update on India-Singapore Defence Cooperation
  • Recently, India and Singapore signed a naval agreement to allow access to one other’s bases for warship logistics. It is clear that Singapore is concerned about the region’s changing security landscape and urges compliance with international rules and legislation that control marine trade.
  • In order to strengthen their defence connections and increase communication with the armed services, India and Singapore are building on their long-standing friendship.
  • The recent conversation between the military’s top leaders makes it clear. Former Army Chief General MM Naravane spoke with Brigadier General David Neo, the head of the Singaporean Army, about a plan to strengthen defence cooperation between the two countries further.
  • Indonesia and Vietnam have also shown interest in the BrahMos Cruise missile, which India recently agreed to provide to the Philippines.
  • The Indian Air Force displayed its indigenous Light Combat Aircraft in February of this year at the Singapore AirShow 2022.

Also, check out Shakti Exercise Between India & France here.

Way Forward

SIMBEX is the longest-running bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Fleet and any foreign navy. The continuation of this crucial engagement demonstrates the strength of the bilateral defence ties between the two nations despite the current pandemic. Despite these restrictions, both navies could carry out risky evolutions, including live weapon firing and sophisticated naval combat operations like anti-submarine, anti-air, and anti-surface warfare. The magnitude and complexity of the drills demonstrate how well the two Navies work together.

SIMBEX 2021 falls on the same day as India’s 75th anniversary of independence makes it particularly special. The achievement of SIMBEX-2021 reflects the dedication of both sides to deepen their bilateral cooperation in the upcoming years. Both navies are represented in each other’s Maritime Information Fusion Centres thanks to a recent agreement on reciprocal submarine rescue assistance and coordination.

Also, read Surya Kiran Exercise for UPSC here!

We hope that all your doubts regarding the SIMBEX Exercise will be cleared after going through this article. You can download the Testbook App now to check out various other topics relevant to the UPSC IAS Exam.

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SIMBEX Exercise FAQs

A maritime bilateral exercise between Singapore and India is known as SIMBEX.In 1994, the Singapore and Indian navy launched SIMBEX. Improving marine cooperation between Singapore and India is the core objective of SIMBEX.

SIMBEX 2021, which took place from 2nd September to 4th September 2021, was the 28th edition of this exercise. It was held in the South China Sea and conducted as an "at-sea only" exercise without any physical intervention because of the COVID pandemic.

SIMBEX is a military exercise between Singapore and India. In SIMBEX 19 both India and Singapore participated.

SIMBEX stands for Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise and it was started in 1994, since then it has become an annual event between the two nations.

SIMBEX aims to increase mutual trust and improve interoperability and create more synergy between the navies of India and Singapore to meet common maritime challenges.
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