Strengthening Indo-Japanese Maritime Cooperation: JIMEX-24

The 8th edition of the Japan-India Maritime Exercise (JIMEX-24) has commenced at Yokosuka, Japan, hosted by the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF). This bilateral naval exercise, which began in 2012, is a testament to the growing maritime cooperation and strategic partnership between India and Japan. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability, promote understanding, and facilitate operational interactions between the two navies.

Participation and Objectives

Representing the Indian Navy, the indigenously built Stealth Frigate INS Shivalik is participating in JIMEX-24, while the JMSDF is represented by its Guided Missile Destroyer JS Yugiri. The exercise comprises both harbor and sea phases, each with distinct objectives.

The harbor phase focuses on fostering closer interaction and strengthening the bonds between the sailors of both navies. It provides an opportunity for cultural exchange, joint training sessions, and the sharing of best practices, enhancing mutual understanding and camaraderie.

The sea phase, on the other hand, is designed to test the warfighting skills of the participating navies. Through complex multi-discipline operations in the surface, sub-surface, and air domains, the exercise aims to enhance interoperability and operational readiness. It will involve various tactical maneuvers, live-firing exercises, and simulated scenarios, enabling both navies to learn from each other's expertise and refine their capabilities.

Shared Commitment to Maritime Security

JIMEX-24 is a manifestation of the shared commitment of India and Japan to maritime security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. As maritime nations with significant interests in the region, the two countries recognize the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing common challenges, such as piracy, illegal fishing, and maintaining freedom of navigation.

The exercise not only strengthens the bilateral defense relationship between India and Japan but also contributes to regional peace and stability. By promoting interoperability and cooperation, the two navies enhance their ability to respond effectively to maritime emergencies and contingencies, ensuring the safety of sea lines of communication and the protection of vital national interests.

Expanding Defense Cooperation

The JIMEX series is part of a broader defense cooperation framework between India and Japan. In addition to naval exercises, the two countries conduct regular joint military exercises involving their respective armies and air forces. These include Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN, focused on counter-terrorism operations and humanitarian assistance, and Exercise Veer Guardian, aimed at enhancing air force interoperability.

The growing defense cooperation between India and Japan reflects the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations, driven by shared values, interests, and a commitment to promoting a rules-based international order. As the Indo-Pacific region gains increasing geopolitical significance, the collaboration between India and Japan serves as a stabilizing force, contributing to regional stability and security.

As JIMEX-24 unfolds, it reinforces the strong ties between the Indian and Japanese navies and underscores their collective resolve to uphold maritime security, foster cooperation, and maintain a rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific region.