SIMBEX is an annual joint maritime bilateral exercise conducted between

SIMBEX stands for the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise, an annual naval drill conducted between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) [1]. Initiated in 1994 as 'Exercise Lion King', it has evolved from basic anti-submarine warfare training into a complex, high-stakes maritime collaboration [3]. It holds the distinction of being the longest continuous bilateral naval exercise India has with any other country [4]. The exercise typically involves two phases: a shore phase for professional exchanges and simulator training, and a sea phase involving advanced warfare serials like gunnery firing and air defense drills [6]. SIMBEX serves as a critical pillar of India's 'Act East' policy, enhancing interoperability and maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region [3]. The 31st edition was held in 2024 at Visakhapatnam, while the 32nd edition is scheduled for 2025 in Singapore [2].

Sources

1. [1] https://www.hcisingapore.gov.in/archevent?id=eyJpdiI6IkZwTCt0M1UwdDNQM2pLcmJNbUZ4Q2c9PSIsInZhbHVlIjoiem1cL0RnQVhNeHNVU0hwWWF4SE9cLzd3PT0iLCJtYWMiOiI2ZDFhNmUyNjE1YTQ2MjQ3MWUzYjE1YTM4ZjMwN2JlNTlkYjUxNTQ3YTFlMzg2NzY3ZTI2MGJlODc5Yjk4ZTQ3In0=
2. [2] https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2067816
3. [3] https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1552298
4. [4] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/navies-of-india-singapore-conclude-simbex/article69892950.ece
5. [5] https://www.mindef.gov.sg/news-and-events/latest-releases/02aug25-nr/
6. [6] https://www.mindef.gov.sg/news-and-events/latest-releases/29oct24_nr/