India-Mozambique-Tanzania Trilateral Exercise: IMT TRILAT-2024

INS Tir and INS Sujata are set to participate in the upcoming second edition of the India-Mozambique-Tanzania (IMT) Trilateral Exercise, a joint maritime exercise scheduled from March 21 to March 29, 2024. The first edition of the IMT TRILAT exercise, conducted in October 2022, witnessed the participation of INS Tarkash alongside the Tanzanian and Mozambique Navies.

The current edition of the exercise is organized in two phases. The harbour phase, scheduled from March 21 to March 24, will see Naval ships Tir and Sujata engaging with the respective Navies at the ports of Zanzibar (Tanzania) and Maputo (Mozambique). This phase will commence with a Planning Conference, followed by joint harbour training activities such as Damage Control, Firefighting, Visit Board Search and Seizure procedures, Medical Lectures, Casualty Evacuation, and Diving operations.

The sea phase of the exercise, scheduled from March 24 to March 27, will focus on practical aspects of countering asymmetric threats, Visit Board Search and Seizure procedures, boat handling, manoeuvres, and firing exercises. A joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance is also planned during this phase. The exercise will conclude with a joint debrief scheduled at Nacala (Mozambique).

During the harbour stay, Indian Naval ships will be open for visitors and engage in sports and cultural exchanges with host Navies. Additionally, training visits for sea trainees of the 106 Integrated Officers Training Course are also planned at the respective ports.

The IMT TRILAT-2024 exercise underscores the commitment of India, Mozambique, and Tanzania to enhance maritime cooperation and interoperability, fostering greater regional security and stability in the Indian Ocean region.