Two Indian Navy ships Kolkata and Shakti carried out 'Group Sail' with naval ships of Japan, Philippines and the USA in the South China Sea from May 3 to May 9, a press note from the Indian Navy said on Thursday. The 'Group Sail' was aimed to deepen the existing partnership and foster mutual understanding among participating navies.

The release said, "The six-day long Group Sail had participation of six combatants from the four participating countries and included the Guided Missile Destroyer INS Kolkata and Fleet Support Ship INS Shakti of India, Helicopter Carrier JMSDF Izumo and Guided Missile Destroyer JMSDF Murasame of Japan; Frigate BRP Andres Bonifacio of Philippines and Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer USS Williams P Lawrence of USA."

The release further said, "The ships undertook various exercises en route which included formation manoeuvering, underway replenishment runs, cross-deck flying and exchange of Sea Riders...The Group Sail exercise with naval ships of Japan, Philippines and United States showcased India's commitment to operating with like-minded nations to ensure safe maritime environment through enhanced interoperability."

"The Indian Navy's ships are on return passage from their successful deployment to South and East China Seas as part of the annual Eastern Fleet Over Seas Deployment during which they visited Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam, Qingdao, China and Busan, South Korea," the release added.

At Qingdao in China, both the ships had participated in the International Fleet Review (IFR) as part of the 70th Anniversary Celebration of People's Liberation Army PLA (Navy). In Busan, the ships took part in the Opening Ceremony of Maritime Security (MS) Field Training Exercise (FTX) under the aegis of ADMM-PLUS. The release further said, "On departing from Busan, both the ships participated in ADMM-PLUS MS FTX Phase I exercises from May 1 to May 3 off South Korea with Navies of Brunei, China, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea and the USA."

"The Phase II of ADMM-PLUS MS FTX is scheduled from May 9 to May 12 in the South China Sea. On completion of Phase II, all participating ships including IN Ships Kolkata and Shakti are scheduled to attend the closing ceremony of ADMM-PLUS MS and participate in the International Maritime Defence Expo (IMDEX) 2019 in Singapore," added the release.

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