JAPAN INDIA MARITIME EXERCISE 2023 (JIMEX 23)

The seventh edition of the bilateral Japan-India Maritime Exercise 2023 (JIMEX 23) is set to take place from 5th to 10th July 2023 in Visakhapatnam, India. This exercise marks the 11th anniversary of JIMEX since its inception in 2012 and aims to enhance the interoperability and cooperation between the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) and the Indian Navy.

Various Phases in Exercise

The exercise will be conducted in two phases, the Harbour Phase and the Sea phase .

The Harbour Phase will focus on professional, sports, and social interactions between the participating units. It provides an excellent opportunity for personnel from both navies to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and strengthen their bonds.
Following the Harbour Phase, the exercise will transition to the sea phase, where the two navies will jointly hone their warfighting skills and enhance interoperability. This phase will witness complex multi-discipline operations in the surface, sub-surface, and air domains.

Participation from Various Fleet

The upcoming JIMEX 23 exercise will see the involvement of several Indian naval vessels, including INS Delhi, which is India’s first domestically constructed Guided Missile Destroyer. Additionally, INS Kamorta, a Corvette designed and built within India for Anti-Submarine Warfare purposes, as well as the fleet tanker INS Shakti, a submarine, maritime patrol aircraft P8I and Dornier, ship-borne helicopters, and fighter aircraft, will also be participating. The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) will be represented by the guided missile destroyer JS Samidare and its accompanying helicopters.

Reaffirming Commitment

JIMEX 23 highlights the shared commitment of India and Japan towards ensuring maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region. As maritime nations, both countries recognize the importance of a rules-based international order and the need for collaborative efforts to address common maritime challenges.

India-Japan Maritime Relations

Over the years, JIMEX has grown in scope and complexity, facilitating the exchange of knowledge, enhancing operational interactions, and fostering mutual cooperation between the Indian Navy and the JMSDF. The exercise provides a platform for both navies to learn from each other’s best practices, develop a deeper understanding of maritime operations, and strengthen their overall capabilities.