Why in the news?

• The 5th edition of Exercise Samudra Shakti held at Vishakapatnam.

Exercise Samudra Shakti 2025

• What is it?: It is a bilateral naval exercise between India  and Indonesia.
• Foundation: Exercise Samudra Shakti was initiated in 2018 under India’s Act East Policy. 
• Objective: To improve coordination in maritime operations, strengthen defence cooperation, and reaffirm the shared commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. 
• Features
  • The exercise focuses on complex maritime operations including Military Interdiction Operations (MIO), Cross Deck Landings, and Air Defence drills. 
  • It also involves Practice Weapon Firings, Replenishment Approaches, and Tactical Manoeuvres, enhancing operational interoperability between the two navies.