India and South Africa to conduct joint Naval exercise

India and South Africa on 14 April Thursday decided to hold joint Naval exercises. This was decided when Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Jacob Zuma met in China and discussed ways to boost overall ties.

In addition, the two leaders discussed bilateral defence issues. This was told by Secretary (Economic Relations) in the External Affairs Ministry Manbir Singh. “Talking about the defence ties, the two leaders felt that these could be further strengthened,” Manbir Singh said.

In this context, the leaders decided that the two countries would hold Naval exercises. Indian and South African navies have already held joint manoeuvres during IBSAMAR 2010. IBSAMAR II had 11 ships taking part from the navies of India, Brazil and South Africa. During IBSAMAR II, South Africa was the host country, India was the lead country and Brazil was the support country.