INS Talwar Arrives in South Africa for Joint Maritime Exercise IBSAMAR VIII

IBSAMAR VIII is structured around Blue Water Naval Warfare, with a particular focus on Surface and Anti-Air Warfare.

Indian Navy's frontline stealth frigate, INS Talwar, arrived at Simon's Town, South Africa, on 6th October 2024 to participate in the eighth edition of IBSAMAR, a joint multinational maritime exercise involving the navies of India, Brazil, and South Africa. The exercise, running from 6th to 18th October 2024, focuses on enhancing interoperability and strengthening cohesion between the three participating nations' naval forces.

IBSAMAR VIII is structured around Blue Water Naval Warfare, with a particular focus on Surface and Anti-Air Warfare. The exercise includes a harbour phase featuring professional exchanges, drills on Damage Control & Firefighting, Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operations, cross-deck visits, joint diving operations, and an Ocean Governance seminar. These activities aim to promote cooperation and operational readiness among the participating navies, furthering mutual trust and ensuring a secure maritime domain.

India and South Africa’s defence cooperation continues to strengthen, highlighted by recent initiatives such as Operational Sea Training and Submarine Rescue Support following the 12th edition of Navy-to-Navy talks in August 2024. The arrival of INS Talwar, commissioned in 2003 and currently under the command of Captain Jithu George, reaffirms India's commitment to collaborative growth and constructive engagement in maritime security.

IBSAMAR is a vital platform for building friendships and ensuring a peaceful and positive maritime environment among like-minded littoral nations.