INS Trikand participates in international maritime exercise ‘IMX/Cutlass Express 23’

The INS Trikand of the Indian Navy is currently taking part in the Gulf region's International Maritime Exercise/Cutlass Express 2023 (IMX/CE-23), which is being held from February 26 to March 16.

The CE-23 is sponsored by US Africa Command and is overseen by US Naval Forces Africa (NAVAF) and almost 50 nations and international maritime organizations are taking part in the exercise. It aims to improve maritime security and maintain the region's water corridors as safe as possible for maritime trade.

CE23 represents one of three regional exercises that are facilitated by NAVAF, aimed at fostering collaboration among African, US, and international partners to address common transnational maritime challenges. Through CE23, participating nations will demonstrate their capacity to disrupt activities such as illicit trafficking, piracy, illegal, unreported, unregulated (IUU) fishing, and oil bunkering.

As per the official press release from the Ministry of Defence, IMX/CE-23 is one of the world's largest international maritime exercises. While this is the first time the Indian Navy has participated in IMX, it is also the second time a ship from the Indian Navy has taken part in a Combined Maritime Force (CMF) exercise. INS Trikand had previously taken part in Operation Sea Sword 2, which was conducted by the CMF, in November 22.

The ministry added that the Indian Navy's involvement in training exercises like Sea Sword 2 and IMX/CE-23 shows its dedication to maintaining maritime security in the IOR. The exercises give the Indian Navy a forum to share best practices, information, and experience with other maritime partners, enhancing the region's maritime security and safety.

By taking part in IMX/CE-23 and other multinational maritime exercises, the Indian Navy is continuously working towards safeguarding the nation's maritime interests and contributing to a safer and more secure maritime environment in the region.