India, Bangladesh Navies concludes bilateral exercise Bongosagar-23 & coordinated patrol CORPAT-5

The Indian Navy and Bangladesh Navy concluded the 4th edition of the Bilateral Exercise, Bongosagar-23, and the 5th edition of the Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) in the Northern Bay of Bengal from 07 to 09 Nov 2023.

The joint operations, as per the Defence Ministry, unfolded along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), where ships and aircraft from both navies engaged in patrolling and maritime exercises to enhance interoperability. The exercise saw active participation from Indian Navy Ships Kuthar, Kiltan, and Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) Dornier, alongside Bangladesh Navy Ships Abu Bakr, Abu Ubaidah, and MPA.

The activities included communication drills, surface gun-shoots, tactical manoeuvres, and culminated with a steam past, showcasing the naval prowess of both nations. Also, CORPAT-23 witnessed the maiden integration of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) drills, marking a historic moment in the joint maritime exercises. The two navies executed a Search and Rescue scenario at sea, further augmenting their capabilities in responding to crises. INS Kuthar, an indigenously built guided-missile Corvette, and INS Kiltan, an Indian-built anti-submarine Corvette, represented the Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet based at Visakhapatnam. This fleet operates under the operational command of the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar.

The joint endeavours of the Indian Navy and Bangladesh Navy in regular bilateral exercises and coordinated patrols have played a pivotal role in enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation between the two maritime forces. These initiatives contribute significantly to regional stability and security.

This collaboration follows the previous edition of CORPAT, which commenced on May 22, 2022. During this period, joint operations along the International Maritime Boundary Line were conducted, featuring the participation of indigenously built Indian Navy ships Kora and Sumedha, alongside Bangladesh Navy Ships BNS Ali Haider and BNS Abu Ubaidah.

Simultaneously, the third edition of the Indian Navy-Bangladesh Navy Bilateral Exercise 'Bongosagar' began at Port Mongla, Bangladesh, on May 24 ,2022. The exercise included a Harbour Phase from 24-25 May, followed by a Sea Phase in the Northern Bay of Bengal from 26-27 May. Participating vessels included Indian Naval Ships Kora and Sumedha, along with the Bangladesh Navy's BNS Abu Ubaidah and Ali Haider. The exercise encompassed professional interactions, social engagements, sporting fixtures, and tactical planning discussions, further cementing the collaborative spirit between the two maritime forces.