INS Sindhukesari Concludes 3-Day Visit To Indonesia Amid South China Sea Conflict

The drill was part of the first operational turnaround for INS Sindhukesari.

Indian Navy's submarine - INS Sindhukesari visited Jakarta, Indonesia from Feb 22-24.

Source : Twitter/@NayanimaBasu

In order to deepen the maritime collaboration between New Delhi and Jakarta and work towards a more secure and peaceful Indo-Pacific, the Indian Navy's submarine, INS Sindhukesari, visited Jakarta, Indonesia from February 22 to 24.

The drill was part of the first operational turnaround for INS Sindhukesari.

Just In — Indian Navy's submarine - INS Sindhukesari visited Jakarta, Indonesia from Feb 22-24 with an aim to engage with the Indonesian Navy in jointly strengthening maritime partnership between New Delh and Jakarta towards a safer and secure #IndoPacific. pic.twitter.com/GrYrbCQC8U

— Nayanima Basu (@NayanimaBasu) February 24, 2023

Earlier, after passing through the neighbouring Sunda Strait, the 3,000-tonne conventional diesel-electric submarine visited Jakarta, Indonesia. 

After INS Sindhukesari arrived in Jakarta, the Indonesian Navy tweeted: “In a bid to strengthen bilateral ties, the Indonesian Navy warmly welcomes the arrival of the Indian submarine INS Shindukesari in Jakarta," the CNBCTV18 reported. 

The long-range mission is a component of India's diplomatic and military outreach to ASEAN nations in addition to showcasing the Indian Navy's capabilities. India's strengthened defence ties with these nations come at a time when China's rhetoric over disputed territory claims in the South China Sea region is becoming more antagonistic, according to the CNBCTV18's report.

The submarine's visit to the nation came only a few weeks after a Chinese coastguard vessel was spotted patrolling in Indonesia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) territory's Natuna Sea. China claims sovereignty over a number of resource-rich territories, including this one.

Interestingly, Indian warships often visit Indonesia and other ASEAN nations, but this is New Delhi's first long-range submarine deployment. In light of rising Chinese aggressiveness and Xi Jinping's expansionist aspirations, India is placing a greater emphasis on its defence relations with countries in South Asia, Times Of India reported.

The submarine's journey to Indonesia comes soon after India trained 21 Filipino troops in operating procedures for the BrahMos cruise missiles that the two nations would soon exchange. Within the framework of the $375 million agreement, India will give the Philippines three shore-based anti-ship BrahMos batteries. The transaction is anticipated to make it possible for other nations in the area to buy the Indo-Russian missiles that were jointly built, the CNBCTV18 reported. 

The Sindhughosh-class submarines are constructed in Russia and include INS Sindhukesari. Before being renovated in 2018, the submarine was initially commissioned by the Indian Navy in December 1988. Improved armament systems and a 25-year service extension for the submarine were both included of the Rs 1,197 crore repair.

(With inputs from Nayanima Basu)