OREANDA-NEWS. The closing ceremony of 27TH India-Indonesian CORPAT (Coordinated Patrol) was held from 16-19 May 16. Indian Naval Ship Karmuk entered Belawan harbour (Indonesia) on 16 May 16 with the Senior Officer Commodore Girish Kumar Garg, Naval Component Commander, Andaman and Nicobar Command embarked to participate in the closing ceremony. The ship was escorted by Indonesia Navy ship KRI Imam Bonjol into the harbour. Senior Officials from Indonesia Navy as well as Embassy of India at Indonesia were present to receive the ship. It was a historic moment as the first woman IFS officer from Andaman and Nicobar Islands – Dr Shalia Shah, Counsul General of India in Medan (Indonesia), was present to receive the Port Blair based ship. Dr Shalia Shah was born and brought up in Port Blair and is a true native of these islands which made the reception more special for the ship.

The 27TH edition of the CORPAT was conducted from 29 Apr to 19 May 16. The closing ceremony at Belawan saw the two navies conducting interactive session on measures to enhance inter-operability. The senior officer from Indian Navy hosted a reception on board INS Karmuk on 17 may 16 which was attended by more than 100 dignitaries from various fields. The event was graced by His Excellency Mr Insinyur Haji tengku Erry Nuradi, the Governor of North Sumatra, Her Excellency Smt Nengcha Lhouvum, Honourable Ambassador of India in Indonesia, Dr Shalia Shah, Consul General of India, Mayor of Medan, member of Indian Diaspora and First Admiral Yodo Margowo, Kasarmbar, Chief of Staff Western Fleet Command Indonesia Navy. INS Karmuk with Senior Officer embarked departed the Port of Belawan on 19 May 16 on completion of the event. The event added another chapter in enhancing bilateral co-operation between the two nations in the maritime domain.