India-Mozambique-Tanzania Trilateral Exercise Concludes, Emphasizing Maritime Cooperation

Nacala, Mozambique: The second edition of the India-Mozambique-Tanzania Trilateral Exercise, IMT TRILAT 24, concluded on March 28, 2024, at Nacala, Mozambique, after a week-long engagement aimed at bolstering maritime cooperation and interoperability among the Navies of India, Mozambique, and Tanzania.

Participating in the exercise were Indian naval ships INS Tir and INS Sujata, which engaged in a series of joint exercises, training sessions, and collaborative activities from March 21 to March 28, providing a platform for the exchange of knowledge, enhancement of capabilities, and strengthening of maritime security in the region.

The exercise unfolded in two phases, with the initial harbor phase conducted from March 21 to March 24. During this phase, intensive training sessions were held onboard INS Tir at Zanzibar and INS Sujata at Maputo, focusing on vital areas such as Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS), Damage Control, Firefighting Drills, communication procedures, and medical lectures, including CPR demonstrations and casualty evacuation (CASEVAC).

The sea phase commenced on March 24, with INS Tir and INS Sujata embarking sea riders from the Tanzanian and Mozambique Navies, respectively. Joint operations with Mozambique Naval ship Namatili and Tanzanian naval ship Fatundu showcased significant synergy and sustained efforts, with evolutions at sea including simulated VBSS exercises and night maneuvers. The ships also undertook joint surveillance of the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) off Tanzania and Mozambique in the area of operation.

The closing ceremony, held onboard INS Tir and INS Sujata at Nacala, Mozambique, featured representatives from all three navies. The event highlighted the successful collaboration, understanding of maritime capabilities, and shared objectives achieved during the exercise, emphasizing continued collaboration towards maritime security and regional stability, underlining India’s commitment as the preferred security partner.

In addition to the IMT TRILAT exercise, various official and training exchanges, cross-deck visits, sports fixtures, and yoga sessions were conducted as part of the long-range training deployment of the ships. The ships were open to visitors at Zanzibar, Maputo, and Nacala, with outreach activities conducted at the Mizzizini orphanage center in Zanzibar and the Obra Dom Orio Reception Centre in Maputo, fostering bonds of friendship and camaraderie.