India-Indonesia Bilateral Exercise Samudra Shakti-23 has commenced with the arrival of INS Kavaratti, an indigenously designed and built ASW Corvette, at Batam, Indonesia. The exercise, taking place from 14-19 May 2023, aims to enhance interoperability, jointness, and mutual cooperation between the Indian and Indonesian navies. Alongside INS Kavaratti, an Indian Navy Dornier Maritime Patrol aircraft and Chetak helicopter are also participating. The Indonesian Navy is represented by KRI Sultan Iskandar Muda, CN 235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft, and AS565 Panther Helicopter.

The exercise comprises both a Harbour phase and a Sea phase. During the Harbour phase, there will be cross-deck visits, professional interactions, subject matter expert exchanges, and sports fixtures. The Sea phase will involve various activities such as weapon firing, helicopter operations, anti-submarine warfare, air defense exercises, and boarding operations. Through Samudra Shakti-23, the navies of India and Indonesia aim to demonstrate their high level of interoperability and their shared commitment to peace and stability in the region.

The maritime exercise is part of the ongoing efforts to expand bilateral military engagement between India and Indonesia. The Indian Navy has deployed INS Kavaratti, an anti-submarine warfare corvette built indigenously, along with a Dornier maritime patrol aircraft and a Chetak chopper for the exercise. The ship arrived at Batam Port in Indonesia to participate in the Samudra Shakti exercise.