MILAN-2022 began its sea phase on Tuesday, with 26 ships, 21 aircraft, and one submarine taking part in the ongoing international naval exercise in the Bay of Bengal. The sea phase, which will last through March 4, will consist of advanced and difficult drills in all three dimensions of marine operations.
Rear Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Fleet, presided over a pre-sail combined briefing for the sea phase, which included senior commanders, commanding officers, and planning teams from all participating units from friendly foreign countries.
The goal of the sea phase is to improve interoperability and maritime cooperation among the participating militaries while also sharing best practices. Weapon firings, seamanship evolution, advanced anti-submarine warfare exercises, cross-deck helicopter landings, simulation of complex operational scenarios, and tactical manoeuvres are all part of the schedule.
The foreign delegates were accompanied on an outstation tour of India’s rich culture and heritage to Bodhgaya and Agra. Foreign Naval officers visited the UNESCO World Heritage site Mahabodhi Temple, which has an 80-foot tall Buddha statue, and were given a guided tour of the famous Tergar Monastery in Bodhgaya, Bihar. Another group was taken on a tour of Agra Fort and a guided tour of the Taj Mahal. The participants also went to Agra’s Kalakriti Culture and Convention Centre, where they saw traditional marble inlay work, as well as handloom and handicraft items.
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