New Delhi, Aug 29 (Reporter) India and South Africa have expressed their commitments to further enhance Navy-to-Navy collaboration between the two nations and strengthen operational coordination. The 12th India-South Africa Navy Staff Talks were held here on August 27 and 28 between the two nations and were co-chaired by Rear Admiral Nirbhay Bapna and Rear Admiral David Maningi Mkhonto, Chief Director Maritime Strategy of the South African Navy. In laying the groundwork for future cooperation, the talks this year focused on several pivotal areas, including operational training aimed at improving readiness and efficiency and the establishment of secure information exchange protocols between platforms, an official statement said. Moreover, the talks explored operational interactions to address the evolving complexities in the maritime domain through continued exchanges and exercises, such as IBSAMAR (India-Brazil-South Africa Maritime Exercise). The dialogue also included opportunities for exchange of best practices in Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Defence including Damage Control (NBCD) and diving support, through Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE). A strong emphasis on personnel exchanges and the potential for availing advanced training courses at respective training facilities were also deliberated upon. The ongoing dialogue exemplifies a shared vision for Maritime Security and operational collaboration and serves as a platform for fostering deeper cooperation between the South African Navy and the Indian Navy...////...