(Commonwealth_ India) In a strategic move to bolster maritime security in the southern African nation, India has gifted two advanced Fast Interceptor Crafts (FIC) to Mozambique. The Ministry of Defence officially announced this significant contribution on Saturday, highlighting a continued partnership between the two nations in addressing various security challenges.
Important Indian officials, including High Commissioner Robert Shetkintong and newly appointed Defence Adviser Colonel Puneet Attri, along with Commander Ranjan Chib, the Commanding Officer of the Indian Naval Ship Gharial, attended a ceremonial handover of these waterjet-propelled vessels on November 8. The ceremonial acceptance was formalized by Augusto Casimiro Mueio, the Permanent Secretary of Mozambique’s Ministry of National Defence.
The two FICs are intended for high-speed maritime procedures, boasting a topmost speed of 45 knots and a considerable operational range of 200 nautical miles when traveling at 12 knots. Equipped with machine guns and bullet-resistant cabins, each vessel can accommodate a crew of five, thereby enhancing their effectiveness and safety during operations. These features are particularly critical as Mozambique faces challenges such as maritime terrorism and an ongoing insurgency in the Cabo Delgado province, where coordinated waterborne responses are vital for ensuring citizens’ safety and security.
This donation is a part of India’s broader historical commitment to strengthening Mozambique’s maritime capabilities. India previously gifted two larger interceptor vessels to Mozambique in 2019, followed by two FICs of the same class in early 2022. These initiatives reflect India’s sustained effort to not only provide equipment but also to enhance the operational capabilities of the Mozambique Armed Forces through training programs conducted by various Indian military institutions.
The Indian Coast Guard Afloat Support Team stationed in Maputo also plays a crucial role in offering hands-on training for operating and maintaining the newly gifted vessels, ensuring Mozambique’s personnel are equipped to maximize the capabilities of their maritime assets.
Since the arrival of the earlier interceptor vessels in 2019, they have been instrumental in various operations, including anti-insurgency efforts, maritime patrols, and logistics support missions. Additionally, Indian naval ships have made regular port calls at Mozambican ports such as Maputo, Beira, and Nacala, strengthening bilateral naval cooperation. Notably, in March 2023, Indian naval ships Tir and Sujata participated in the second iteration of the India-Mozambique-Tanzania (IMT) trilateral exercise in Nacala, further solidifying collaborative security efforts in the region.
India’s support extends beyond military collaboration to encompass humanitarian assistance. The Indian Navy has repeatedly been a first responder during crises in Mozambique, exemplified during Cyclone Idai in March 2019. During the disaster, Indian naval ships such as Sujata, Shardul, and Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi diverted their missions to aid Mozambique, rescuing over 200 civilians and providing essential medical and food supplies to thousands of affected individuals.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, India donated a significant number of vaccine doses to Mozambique, showcasing its commitment to the health and well-being of the Mozambican people. The growing strategic partnership between India and Mozambique underscores a shared commitment to maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). India’s initiative is aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Security and Growth for all in the region” (SAGAR), highlighting the importance of collective security efforts among nations. As India remains a preferred partner for maritime security, its collaborative engagement with Mozambique exemplifies a proactive approach to counter maritime challenges, such as piracy, drug trafficking, and illegal fishing, ensuring sustained stability and security in the region. Through these efforts, both nations aim to build a resilient maritime environment that protects their respective national interests and fosters regional peace and prosperity.
