INS Satpura and INS Kadmatt have reached Japan for the Passing Exercise
Indian Naval Ships Satpura and Kadmatt will participate in an exercise with the Japanese Marine Self Defence Force, the navy said in a statement on Thursday.
INS Satpura and Kadmatt are visiting Sasebo, Japan, from October 12 to 15. After completing the harbour phase, the ships will take part in Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Murusame Class destroyer, JS Kirisame.
"The visit of these ships is part the Indian government's initiatives to strengthen the long-standing, mutually supportive and strong relationship between Japan and India," the Indian Navy statement said.
Since the first 'Navy to Navy Staff Talks' between the two nations in November 2008, naval ties have reached new heights with bilateral and multilateral exercises and enhanced cooperation in information sharing, meteorology and oceanography, disaster management and military training.
"The defence and security interaction between both countries has since expanded to encompass a Defence Policy Dialogue and a Maritime Affairs Dialogue," the statement added.