Context: INS Sumedha recently arrived at Port Alexandria, Egypt to participate in ‘Exercise BRIGHT STAR- 23’. 

Exercise BRIGHT STAR- 23

• About: This is a multinational Tri-Services military exercise that will see participation from 34 countries.

          o It is the largest ever joint military exercise in Middle East & North Africa region.

• India’s participation: This is the maiden participation of Indian Navy in Ex Bright Star, which will also see participation of Naval ships from other Friendly Foreign Navies.

 About INS Sumedha

• Make in India initiative: It is the third ship of the indigenously built Saryu class Naval Offshore Patrol Vessels (NOPV) that possess long endurance, are fitted with requisite weapons, sensors, and capable of embarking an integral helicopter.

         o It bears testimony to the capabilities of the Indian shipbuilding industry which underscores the vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

Exercise between India-Egypt:

• Exercise Cyclone-I: It is the first ever joint exercise between the special forces of the Indian Army and the Egyptian Army.