by Defence Circle/Image:Indian Navy
The Indian Navy’s INS Tarkash arrived at Simon’s Town, South Africa, on 11 October 2026, marking an important milestone in preparations for Exercise India-Brazil-South Africa Maritime Exercise IX (IBSAMAR IX). The arrival brings India’s naval presence to the South African coast as the Indian, Brazilian and South African navies prepare to undertake joint training focused on maritime security and operational cooperation.
The arrival of INS Tarkash at Naval Base Simon’s Town highlights India’s continued participation in the trilateral maritime exercise, which aims to strengthen naval relationships, improve interoperability and promote cooperation between the three participating nations. South Africa is hosting IBSAMAR IX, while India is leading the exercise under the theme “Stronger Together, Towards a Shared Future in the Maritime Domain”.
Following the ship’s arrival, the Commanding Officer of INS Tarkash paid a courtesy call on Rear Admiral Handsome Matsane, Flag Officer Fleet of the South African Navy. Discussions focused on maritime security and mutual cooperation at sea, reflecting the shared commitment of the participating navies to strengthening their professional relationships and working together in the maritime domain.
On 12 October 2026, the South African Navy hosted a media briefing aboard INS Tarkash at Naval Base Simon’s Town to outline the objectives and significance of IBSAMAR IX. The briefing highlighted the importance of the exercise in developing closer working relationships between the three navies and enhancing their ability to operate together.
INS Tarkash’s arrival follows that of the Brazilian Navy’s corvette Barroso (V34), which arrived in Simon’s Town on 8 October ahead of the exercise. The presence of the two visiting warships brings together the Indian and Brazilian navies in South African waters ahead of the planned joint training activities.
IBSAMAR IX will feature joint training and professional engagements designed to improve interoperability, share operational experience and strengthen coordination among the participating naval forces. These activities provide opportunities for personnel to develop a better understanding of one another’s procedures while enhancing their ability to cooperate in support of maritime security.
First conducted in South Africa in May 2008, Exercise IBSAMAR has evolved into a longstanding defence engagement between India, Brazil and South Africa. The exercise reflects the three nations’ continued commitment to maritime partnerships and cooperation between their respective naval forces.
The arrival of INS Tarkash therefore represents more than the participation of an individual warship. It marks another step in the continued development of trilateral naval cooperation, bringing India, Brazil and South Africa together to strengthen maritime security, improve operational interoperability and support the peaceful use of the seas.