The 7th edition of IBSAMAR, a joint multinational maritime exercise, among the Indian, Brazilian and South Africa navies was held at Port Gqeberha (formerly known as Port Elizabeth), South Africa from October 10-12. 

The Indian Navy was represented in it by the guided missile frigate, INS Tarkash, a Chetak helicopter and MARCOS special forces.

What is IBSAMAR?

• IBSAMAR is a joint maritime exercise between Indian, Brazilian and South African navies.

• Naval cooperation between Brazil, India and South Africa epitomises the strong long term strategic relationship between the three democracies and vibrant economies. 

• Initiated in 2008, Exercise IBSAMAR is the most visible manifestation of this convergence of democratic values, economic interests and maritime cooperation. 

• The IBSAMAR exercise highlights the maritime dimension of the IBSA Dialogue Forum and the robust South-South cooperation.

• The previous edition of IBSAMAR (IBSAMAR VI) was conducted off Simons Town, South Africa from October 1-13 in 2018.

• The objectives of IBSAMAR VII included strengthening maritime relations, promoting joint operational military training, combating maritime crimes, securing sea lines of communication and enhancing interoperability to pursue common evolutions at sea.

• The opening ceremony of IBSAMAR VII was conducted on October 10. The exercise progressed over three days that included both harbour and sea phases.

What is IBSA?

• IBSA is a unique forum which brings together India, Brazil and South Africa, three large democracies and major economies from three different continents, facing similar challenges. 

• The grouping was formalised and named the IBSA Dialogue Forum when the foreign ministers of the three countries met in Brasilia on June 6, 2003 and issued the Brasilia Declaration.

• India is the incumbent IBSA Chair and will be hosting the 6th IBSA Summit on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in November 2022.

• The IBSA has emerged as a key tripartite grouping for the promotion of cooperation in a range of areas.

• IBSA’s success demonstrates, most vividly, the desirability and feasibility of South-South cooperation beyond the conventional areas of exchange of experts and training. 

• The IBSA Fund is a special feature of IBSA collaboration. Since its inception, it has allocated over $44 million, supporting 39 South-South cooperation development projects in 35 partner countries with the majority being Least Developed Countries.

Cooperation in IBSA is on three fronts:

1) As a forum for consultation and coordination on global and regional political issues, such as, the reform of the global institutions of political and economic governance, WTO/Doha Development Agenda, climate change, terrorism, etc.

2) Trilateral collaboration on concrete areas/projects, through fourteen working groups and six People-to-People Forums, for the common benefit of three countries.

3) Assisting other developing countries by taking up projects in the latter through IBSA Fund.

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