India-Bangladesh hold joint naval exercise 'Bongosagar' in Bay of Bengal

New Delhi: – Saturday onwards, ‘Bongosagar’ joint naval exercises, between India and Bangladesh, started in the Bay of Bengal. This is the second naval exercise, being held by India, in the Bay of Bengal, over last one month.

Moreover, Anti-submarine warfare corvette Kiltan and guided-missile corvette Khukri, are participating in the exercises from India. Marine surveillance aircraft and helicopters also participated in the exercises. Whereas, guided-missile frigate Abu Bakr and guided-missile corvette Prottoy participated from Bangladesh.

This is the second successive year of India-Bangladesh joint war exercises. During the exercises, helicopters will land on each other’s warships. The Navy clarified that the objective of the exercises is to increase mutual coordination for international missions. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi has decided to strengthen cooperation with the neighbouring countries under the ‘Neighbours First’ and ‘Security and Growth of All in the Region’ (SAGAR) policies, of the Indian government. This naval exercise becomes a part of the same initiative.

In the last month, India and Russia held joint naval exercises, ‘Indra’, in the Bay of Bengal. The Bay of Bengal marine region becomes strategically important, as it connects India with Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand and Indonesia. Indian Navy has held two war exercises, in one month, in this marine region. This has delivered a proper message to China.