By Our Special Correspondent
Bilateral relations between Japan and India continue to be strong and the sixth edition of the bilateral exercise JIMEX is an indication in this regard, said Escort Flotilla Four Rear Admiral Toshiyuki Hirata, commanding ships of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
Addressing a joint media conference along with Rear Admiral Sanjay Bhalla here on Wednesday, he said that India and Japan are working for peace in the Pacific region with the cooperation of the international community.
He said that the current edition of GymX in Visakhapatnam was a challenging experience for them as the sea was very rough. Toshiyuki Hirata said that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Japan.
The exercise was conducted in three phases namely sea phase, harbor phase and sea phase. Rear Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet said the first phase of the sea phase was completed and the harbor phase began on Wednesday.
The Indian Navy is represented by six ships – three indigenously designed and built frigates, Sahyadri, a multi-purpose stealth frigate and anti-submarine warfare corvettes Kadmat and Kavaratti.
Additionally, guided missile destroyer Ranvijay, fleet tanker Jyoti, offshore patrol vessel Sukanya, submarines, MiG 29K fighter aircraft, maritime patrol aircraft and several ship-borne helicopters are also participating in the exercise. The exercise will conclude with the second phase of the sea in the central Bay of Bengal.
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