Bangladesh Navy and the US military personnel launched the annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) maritime exercise on Wednesday in the Bay of Bengal in an indication of Bangladesh's growing importance in the regional security matrix. The nine-day engagement focuses on a full spectrum of naval capabilities and features Cooperative activities that highlight the ability of US and Bangladesh to work together towards the common goal of ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Commander, Bangladesh Navy Fleet Rear Admiral SM Abdul Kalam Azad said that the objectives of CARAT include enhancing regional cooperation and building relationships, Bangladesh media said. 

Rear Admiral Chris Engdahl, Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7th Fleet, said that the exercise underscores the excellent partnership between the militaries of the two nations for a free and open Indo-Pacific where all nations can operate under common maritime rules-based order. The at-sea phase of the exercise will take place in the Bay of Bengal where US Navy forces will join with ships and aircrafts from the Bangladesh Navy for partnered training to build interoperability and to strengthen relationships.

The exercise will involve complex at-sea training to demonstrate their ability to work together through numerous events. Other focus areas include surface warfare, replenishment-at-sea, search and rescue, a gunnery exercise, and exchanges between Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians.

Bangladesh Navy has been taking part in the CARAT exercise since 2011. It is designed to address shared maritime security concerns and strengthen partnership between the two navies.

With nearly a half-century of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Bangladesh, the two countries continue to work closely together to advance a shared vision of a free, open, inclusive, peaceful, and secure Indo-Pacific. CARAT Bangladesh 2021 underscores this shared commitment, said the statement by the Commander, US 7th Fleet.(SAM)