TASS reported citing the Russian Defense Ministry’s statement on Monday that Russian ships will be involved in the exercise, along with Iranian and Chinese flotillas and ships.
Accordingly, representatives of the navy of Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Oman, India, and South Africa will also take part in the exercises.
It added that the combined naval exercise in the Sea of Oman is aimed at ensuring the safety of maritime economic activities.
The Russian Pacific Fleet's missile cruiser Varyag, the frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov, two warships, and a supply ship of the Chinese Navy will participate, along with vessels and helicopters from the Islamic Republic of Iran's navy fleet.
The Iranian news agency, IRNA, reported that the main phase of the 2024 Marine Security Belt combined naval exercise with the participation of Iranian, Chinese, and Russian navies will begin on Tuesday (March 12, 2024) in the Indian Ocean.
The drill's purpose is to consolidate security and its foundations in the region and expand multilateral cooperation among the participating countries to show their ability to jointly support world peace, maritime security, and create a maritime society in the future.
Other goals include strengthening the security of international maritime trade, combating piracy and maritime terrorism, humanitarian measures, exchange of information in the field of maritime rescue, and exchange of operational and tactical experiences.
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