Seeking to ensure peace in the Indian Ocean region, navies of India and Indonesian on Thursday began a nearly month-long joint patrol exercise in Andaman Sea.

The two navies have been participating in coordinated patrol twice a year, since 2002, to keep this vital part of the Indian Ocean region safe and secure for commercial shipping and international trade.

The 27th series of India Indonesia Coordinated Patrol (Corpat) is being conducted from today till May 19, an official Defence Ministry statement said.

"Apart from securing the trade sea route, the coordinated patrol also serves to enhance mutual understanding and inter-operability between the two navies.

"The Corpat thus reflects the shared concern between the two countries for a peaceful Indian Ocean for the benefit of international community," it said.

Opening of the Corpat is being held at Port Blair from April 28-30. Closing ceremony will be held at Belawan, Indonesia from May 16-19 it said.

The Indonesian Navy is being represented by the ship KRI Imam Bonjol and Maritime Patrol Aircraft CN 235 while INS Karmuk and one naval Dornier aircraft are representing the Indian Navy, it said.

A high-level Indonesian delegation for the 27th Corpat arrived at Port Blair today. Later in the day, senior officers of the delegation led by First Admiral Muhammad Ali, called on Vice Admiral Bimal Verma at his office, wherein the two sides discussed issues of mutual interest and cooperation, it said.