India and Bangladesh successfully conducted 6th Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) and 4th Bilateral Exercise ‘Bongosagar’ in Bay of Bengal, reinforcing maritime security cooperation and operational synergy between two navies.
Key Highlights
Participating Naval Assets
India: INS RANVIR (Guided-missile destroyer) and Naval helicopter.
Bangladesh: BNS ABU UBAIDAH (Frigate-class warship) and Maritime patrol aircraft.
About CORPAT (Coordinated Patrol)
First initiated in 2018, CORPAT is a joint naval patrol conducted twice a year between India and Bangladesh along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).
Objectives:
- Combat illegal fishing, smuggling, human trafficking, piracy, and drug trafficking.
- Strengthen maritime surveillance and domain awareness.
- Enhance mutual understanding and operational coordination.
Activities in CORPAT 2025:
- Joint patrolling along the IMBL.
- Communication drills for seamless coordination.
- Surface gunfire exercises for tactical readiness.
- Tactical manoeuvres to improve strategic response.
- First-ever Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR) drills, including a Search & Rescue operation at sea.
About Exercise Bongosagar
First held in 2019, Bongosagar is an annual bilateral naval exercise aimed at strengthening defence ties and enhancing interoperability between India and Bangladesh.
Key Features of Bongosagar 2025:
- Surface firing drills to improve naval strike capabilities.
- Tactical manoeuvres to enhance coordination.
- Underway replenishment training for mid-sea refueling.
- Visit, Board, Search & Seizure (VBSS) operations to counter maritime threats.
- Cross-boarding exercises for seamless joint operations.
- Quiz sessions for junior officers on operational and tactical topics.
- Steam past ceremony, symbolizing naval unity.
Strategic Significance for Regional Security
- Enhanced Operational Readiness: The improved coordination between India and Bangladesh will enable both navies to respond swiftly and effectively to maritime threats.
- Deepened Diplomatic & Military Ties: Strengthened collaboration reinforces diplomatic ties and furthers India’s Act East Policy.
SAGAR Initiative: The exercises align with broader efforts under India’s “Security and Growth for All in the Region” (SAGAR) of ensuring maritime security and sustainable growth for all Indian Ocean littoral states.