Daily Current Affairs : 7-July-2023

The recently concluded Seventh edition of the Indian Navy – US Navy (IN – USN) Salvage and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) exercise, known as SALVEX, marks another significant milestone in the maritime cooperation between India and the United States. Held in Kochi, this exercise aimed to strengthen the capabilities of both navies in dealing with salvage operations and explosive ordnance disposal.

History of Joint Exercises:

Since 2005, the Indian Navy and the US Navy have been actively engaged in joint Salvage and EOD exercises, fostering cooperation and enhancing their collective response to maritime challenges. These exercises have provided valuable opportunities for both navies to exchange knowledge, techniques, and best practices in underwater salvage and disposal of explosive ordnance.

Indian Participation:

INS Nireekshak, an Indian Navy diving support vessel, played a vital role in the SALVEX exercise. Equipped with advanced diving and salvage equipment, INS Nireekshak showcased India’s commitment to strengthening its capabilities in underwater salvage and EOD operations. The vessel’s participation in this joint exercise highlighted the Indian Navy’s dedication to collaborative efforts with the US Navy in ensuring the safety and security of maritime trade routes.

Objectives of SALVEX:

The primary objectives of SALVEX were to enhance interoperability and coordination between the Indian and US navies, share expertise in salvage operations, and improve the efficiency of explosive ordnance disposal techniques. By conducting such exercises, both navies aimed to develop a better understanding of each other’s capabilities and operational procedures, enabling effective cooperation in future joint operations.

Benefits of Joint Exercises:
  1. Strengthening Bilateral Relations: The joint exercises between the Indian Navy and the US Navy contribute to the overall strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries. Such collaborations build trust, foster cooperation, and promote mutual understanding, ultimately leading to a more robust strategic partnership.
  2. Skill Development and Knowledge Exchange: The SALVEX exercise provided an ideal platform for naval personnel from both countries to acquire new skills and expand their knowledge in salvage and EOD operations. The exchange of best practices, techniques, and lessons learned during the exercise will enhance the capabilities of both navies, ensuring effective response mechanisms in challenging maritime scenarios.
  3. Maritime Security and Counterterrorism: By improving their collective response to salvage operations and explosive ordnance disposal, India and the United States contribute to ensuring maritime security and countering terrorism. These exercises help prevent the use of the sea as a platform for illegal activities and reinforce the commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Important Points:

  • The Seventh edition of the Indian Navy – US Navy (IN – USN) Salvage and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) exercise, SALVEX, took place in Kochi.
  • The exercise aimed to strengthen the capabilities of both navies in dealing with salvage operations and explosive ordnance disposal.
  • The Indian Navy and the US Navy have been participating in joint Salvage and EOD exercises since 2005.
  • INS Nireekshak, an Indian Navy diving support vessel, played a crucial role in the exercise.
  • The participation of INS Nireekshak highlighted India’s commitment to enhancing its capabilities in underwater salvage and EOD operations.
  • The primary objectives of SALVEX were to enhance interoperability and coordination between the Indian and US navies, share expertise in salvage operations, and improve the efficiency of explosive ordnance disposal techniques.
  • The joint exercises between the Indian Navy and the US Navy contribute to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting mutual understanding.
  • The SALVEX exercise provided a platform for naval personnel to acquire new skills and expand their knowledge in salvage and EOD operations.
  • The exchange of best practices, techniques, and lessons learned during the exercise will enhance the capabilities of both navies.
  • The joint exercises contribute to maritime security and counterterrorism efforts by improving the collective response to salvage operations and explosive ordnance disposal.
  • By preventing the use of the sea as a platform for illegal activities, these exercises help maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
  • The SALVEX exercise stands as a testament to the growing partnership between the Indian Navy and the US Navy.
  • Through joint exercises, both navies aim to enhance capabilities, promote interoperability, and strengthen their collective response to maritime challenges.
  • The exercise contributes to the maritime security of the Indo-Pacific region while fostering greater collaboration between India and the United States in naval operations.
Why In News

The India-USA Navy Salvage and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Exercise, known as Salvex, recently kicked off with full force and dedication. The joint operation aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the Indian and American naval forces, enhancing their salvage and explosive ordnance disposal capabilities.

MCQs about India-USA Joint Salvage and EOD Exercise

  1. What was the primary objective of the IN – USN Salvage and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) exercise, SALVEX?
    A. Enhancing bilateral relations between India and the United States
    B. Showcasing the capabilities of INS Nireekshak in underwater salvage operations
    C. Strengthening maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region
    D. Improving interoperability and coordination between the Indian and US navies
    Correct Answer: D. Improving interoperability and coordination between the Indian and US navies
    Explanation: The primary objective of SALVEX was to enhance the ability of both navies to work together effectively in salvage operations and explosive ordnance disposal, emphasizing the importance of coordination and cooperation between the Indian and US naval forces.
  2. Which vessel played a crucial role in the SALVEX exercise?
    A. INS Kochi
    B. INS Nireekshak
    C. USS Enterprise
    D. USS Nimitz
    Correct Answer: B. INS Nireekshak
    Explanation: INS Nireekshak, an Indian Navy diving support vessel, played a vital role in the SALVEX exercise. Equipped with advanced diving and salvage equipment, it showcased India’s commitment to strengthening its capabilities in underwater salvage and EOD operations.
  3. What are the benefits of joint exercises between the Indian Navy and the US Navy?
    A. Strengthening bilateral relations and trust
    B. Acquiring new skills and knowledge in salvage and EOD operations
    C. Enhancing collective response to maritime challenges
    D. All of the above
    Correct Answer: D. All of the above
    Explanation: Joint exercises between the Indian Navy and the US Navy provide several benefits, including strengthening bilateral relations and trust, acquiring new skills and knowledge in salvage and EOD operations, and enhancing the collective response to maritime challenges through improved coordination and interoperability.
  4. What is the significance of the SALVEX exercise in the Indo-Pacific region?
    A. Ensuring maritime security and countering terrorism
    B. Promoting peace and stability in the region
    C. Preventing the use of the sea for illegal activities
    D. All of the above
    Correct Answer: D. All of the above
    Explanation: The SALVEX exercise contributes to ensuring maritime security, countering terrorism, promoting peace and stability, and preventing the use of the sea for illegal activities in the Indo-Pacific region. Through joint efforts, the Indian Navy and the US Navy aim to maintain a secure and prosperous maritime domain.

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