Singaporean navy's vessel arrives in Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam [India], Oct. 31 (ANI): As a part of 'SIMBEX-16', the ongoing Bilateral Naval Exercise between Navies of the Republic of Singapore and India, RSS Formidable, of Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) yesterday reached Visakhapatnam on a five-day visit to the Eastern Naval Command, ENC. RSS Formidable is the first of the six multi-role stealth frigates which forms part of the 185 Squadron based at Changi. A senior Singapore Navy delegation is also visiting ENC during the period. The visit will encompass interaction between personnel of both the Navies in various professional, cultural, social and sports events. SIMBEX is an acronym for Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercises. The two navies share a long-standing relationship with regular professional interactions which include exchange programmes, staff talks and training courses. Bilateral cooperation between Singapore and India was first formalised when RSN ships began training with the Indian Navy in 1994. The exercise is aimed at increasing interoperability between the RSN and the Indian Navy as well as at developing common understanding and procedures for maritime security operations. An official release said, this year's edition, SIMBEX-16, is being held in the Bay of Bengal region. (ANI)