(Commonwealth_India) The Indian Navy has significantly increased its presence and engagement in the Southwest Indian Ocean region, deploying several warships to conduct joint exercises, capacity building, and fostering deeper maritime partnerships, particularly with nations along the eastern African coast. Recently, the stealth frigate INS Talwar made a notable deployment in the region. During this mission, the ship stopped in Mombasa, Kenya, where it participated in Passage Exercises (PASSEX) with the Kenyan Navy. This exercise allowed both forces to enhance their interoperability and strengthen their maritime ties.
Following its stop in Kenya, INS Talwar proceeded to the French island of La Reunion, a strategically important territory in the Indian Ocean. The visit to La Reunion aimed to deepen the long-standing maritime partnership between India and France, further strengthening their cooperation in the region. After La Reunion, the ship’s journey continued to the Maldives, where it played a significant role in escorting the Maldives Coast Guard Ship Huravee to India for overhaul and repairs. This gesture underscored the robust defense relationship between India and the Maldives, showcasing India’s support for its neighbors’ maritime security.
Meanwhile, INS Suvarna also contributed to India’s efforts in bolstering defense relations in the region. The warship visited Dar es Salaam in Tanzania last month, where it participated in a broader initiative to enhance bilateral defense ties. As part of this visit, the Indian Navy transferred an Integrated Weapon Training Simulator to Tanzanian forces, aimed at improving the country’s infantry training. In addition to the transfer, INS Suvarna conducted joint maritime exercises with Tanzanian forces, focusing on key issues such as surveillance of Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) and anti-piracy operations. The ship’s mission also included a visit to Mauritius, where it coincided with the 190th Aapravasi Divas, a commemoration of the arrival of Indian indentured laborers to the island. During this visit, INS Suvarna assisted the Mauritius Coast Guard by towing their ship, the Valiant, to India for an extensive refit.
Further enhancing India’s naval engagements in the region, INS Gharial visited the Maldives for coordinated exercises with the Maldives National Defence Force. The ship later proceeded to Mozambique, where it played a critical role in assisting local maritime security efforts. INS Gharial delivered two Fast Interceptor Crafts, specially designed for high-speed operations and equipped for combat, to Mozambique. These crafts will significantly contribute to Mozambique’s efforts in combating maritime terrorism and insurgency, particularly in the troubled Cabo Delgado province, thus strengthening the country’s maritime security capabilities.
These deployments reflect India’s commitment to its strategic SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative. Through this initiative, India aims to promote regional maritime cooperation, enhance security, and support the economic growth of all countries in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). India’s proactive naval diplomacy positions the country as a stabilizing force in the region, fostering stronger defense ties, ensuring maritime security, and supporting the development of peaceful and prosperous maritime environments for all nations in the IOR. By increasing its presence and building stronger partnerships, India not only enhances its security but also contributes to the overall stability and growth of the region.
