Question – Where was the trilateral maritime exercise ‘Sitmex-2021’ held between 15-16 November 2021?
(a) Bay of Bengal
(b) Andaman Sea
(c) Indian Ocean
(d) Arabian Sea
Answer—(b)
Related facts—
- Indian Naval Ship (INS) Karmuk, an indigenously built Missile Corvette is participating in the 3rd edition of India, Singapore and Thailand Trilateral Maritime Exercise SITMEX – 21, from 15 to 16 Nov 21 in Andaman Sea.
- Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) is being represented by RSS Tenacious,a Formidable Class Frigate and Royal Thai Navy (RTN) by His Majesty’s Thailand Ship (HTMS) Thayanchon, a Khamrosin Class Anti-submarine Patrol Craft.
- SITMEX is being conducted annually since 2019.
- Objective — to enhance mutual inter-operability and imbibing best practices between Indian Navy (IN), RSN and RTN.
- The exercise is being conducted as a ‘non-contact, at sea only’ exercise in view of COVID-19 restrictions and highlights growing synergy, coordination and cooperation in the maritime domain between the three friendly navies.
- The two days of maritime drills will witness the three navies engaged in a various tactical exercises including naval manoeuvres and surface warfare drills.
- This maritime exercise will fortify the long-standing bond of friendship and further enhance the cooperation between the participating navies towards augmenting the overall maritime security in the region.