Chief of Staff, Joint Operations, South African Navy
Commanding officers of all three ships-
Namely INS Talwar, Naval Ship of Brazil Defensora,
South African Naval Ship Amatola,
Spouse of Minister of Agriculture Mrs Terry Steenhuissen
Senior Officers
Diplomats
Defence Attaches and Defence Advisers
Officers from Brazil and South African Defence Force
My colleagues from the three Consulates of India in South Africa and from the High Commission
All protocols observed,
Ladies and Gentlemen
Namaste, Good evening. Sanibonani. Molweni, Dumelang, Goeie-naand, Boa Noite.
1. It is indeed an honour for me to welcome you all on Indian Naval Ship Talwar, (means The Sword) this evening, which is here at Simon’s Town, to participate in the 8th edition of IBSAMAR 2024, the Trilateral Maritime Exercise of India, Brazil and South Africa, held every two years. I have been informed that the Exercise is being conducted in two phases the Harbour Phase which is currently underway from 07-10 October followed by the Sea Phase from 10-16 October. This exercise is taking place since 2008under the IBSA Tripartite Arrangement. It aims to promote cooperation, interoperability and mutual understanding among the three Navies.
2. As you are well aware that the IBSA Mechanism is a unique arrangement that brings together the three large democracies and major economies from three different continents together. Formed in 2003, IBSA serves as a platform for the three nations to promote cooperation and consultation on global and regional issues of mutual interest as well as represents the voice of the Global South, enhancing South- South Cooperation and addresses contemporary challenges.
3. If we look at the relations of India with Brazil and South Africa, India shares Strategic Partnership with both and therefore we have a robust and growing cooperation in various sectors such as , trade, investment, agriculture, energy and infrastructure, defence, IT, biotechnology, space, science & technology , Yoga and Ayurveda, to name a few.
4. With South Africa, India shares a rich history of bilateral relations. Mahatma Gandhi, father of our nation, was in South Africa for 21 years and it was here that he first experimented his non-violent method of resistance or Satyagraha. India subsequently was a strong supporter of the anti-apartheid movement. Last year we celebrated 30 years of re-establishment of diplomatic relations showcasing India-South Africa close cooperation in all sectors. Recently, India and South Africa signed a bilateral agreement on Submarine Rescue Cooperation and Support to assist South African Naval Submarines, in emergency, if such a need arises. Of course, there is one area in which we compete fiercely, that is Cricket. We are hoping to see the Indian team again in South Africa in November.
5. The world order is witnessing a change from dominance of a few countries to a multi-polar world, and therefore it is essential that we have a more synergetic and collaborative approach. The changing nature of the global conflicts that we are witnessing now, re-emphasises the need to adapt, evolve and cooperate with likeminded countries in order to navigate through these challenges. Therefore, India, Brazil and South Africa have a vital role in building a safe, secure and sustainable eco-system for our citizens, while strengthening existing bonds of friendship for the larger good of our people.
6. Lastly, I wish the Defence personnel from all the three countries participating in this exercise the very best for a successful and productive IBSAMAR 2024. We are united in our purpose, and we are stronger together.
Thank you very much. Jai Hind.
