INS Rana Visits Singapore Ahead of Bilateral Exercise

Indian Naval Ship Rana of the Visakhapatnam-based Eastern Fleet, on overseas deployment to South East Asia, arrived in Singapore on 01 November 2018. During the four-day visit to Singapore, various activities such as official calls to senior military officials, cross-deck visits, community service, ship open to visitors, official visit to Integrated Fusion Centre/Naval museum and social interactions are scheduled.

The visit is a precursor to the Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX), scheduled to be held in India from 10-21 November 2018. The close ties between India and Singapore have a history rooted in strong commercial, cultural and people to people links. This robust relationship between the two nations was elevated to ‘Strategic Partnership’ in November 2015 and defence cooperation has been a significant pillar in this partnership.




With a joint aim to ensure seamless Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) through optimal utilisation of limited resources at sea, both countries have already signed a Technical Agreement to share white shipping information and are also a part of the multilateral construct Regional Maritime Information Exchange (REMIX). The SIMBEX and International Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX) between both countries are a regular phenomenon.

The silver jubilee of the SIMBEX series exercises is likely to witness greater complexity and interoperability. The current deployment will contribute towards the Indian Navy’s efforts to build mutual confidence and trust and forge stronger bonds of friendship with the Singapore Navy.