News Analysis India

Tag: Indian Ocean

  • Chinese Research Vessel Heading To Maldives: Report | world news

    BEIJING: A Chinese research vessel is heading to Maldives, Reuters reported, citing an Indian military official and an independent researcher. The timing coincides with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu’s recent state visit to China, aimed at strengthening ties. This development raises concerns in New Delhi, as India has previously viewed the presence of such vessels near its shores, including in Sri Lanka in 2022, as problematic. These vessels are not military ships officially. However, it will spark concerns for India and others about the military use of their research.

    Relations between India and the Maldives have strained since President Muizzu took office in November, shifting the government’s focus towards China and requesting the withdrawal of nearly 80 Indian troops stationed in the Maldives, according to Reuters report. The Chinese vessel is heading to Male, according to post shared by open source intelligence researcher Damien Symon on social media platform to run an ocean survey operation in the Indian Ocean region raising concern in #India”.

    An Indian military official has confirmed Symon’s finding and said they are monitoring its movement, Reuters reported. Previously, India has flagged similar visits by other Chinese research vessels with its neighbor Sri Lanka, which has not permitted China to dock such vessels on its ports since 2022. This comes as India and the Maldives on January 14 “agreed to fast-track the withdrawal of Indian military personnel” from the island nation, according to the Maldives’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    On January 14, India and Maldives held a core group meeting. During the meeting, both sides deliberated on finding a “mutually workable solution” to ensure the “continued operation” of Indian aviation platforms providing humanitarian and Medvec services, the Ministry of External Affairs said. The MEA announced that the next meeting will be held in the national capital. During the core group meeting, both nations delved “on several aspects of the bilateral relationship,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a weekly briefing on January 18 while sharing insights on the deliberations that took place in the meeting.

    “We mentioned that both sides held discussions on finding a mutually workable solution to enable continued operation of Indian aviation platforms that provide humanitarian and Medvec services to the people of the Maldives,” he also said. “The next meeting is to be held in India to take discussions forward. So that is where the situation as far as the Maldives is concerned,” Jaiswal added.

    When asked if India received a formal request from Maldives to withdraw the Indian military, Jaiswal said, “Whatever’s discussed was put out in the press release. That is where the situation actually stands. It is an ongoing process. Both sides held discussions on finding mutually workable solutions…This is an ongoing discussion, so things will go forward or things will be discussed in the next meeting of the core group subsequently soon.”

    Recently, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed traveled to China for a state visit. Upon arrival at Velana International Airport, Mohamed Muizzu announced that agreements to assist the Maldives in expanding agricultural growth to cater to food security were signed with the Chinese government. The agreements were signed following the official talks between China and Maldives during Muizzu’s state visit to China. The two nations exchanged 20 key agreements at the signing ceremony.

    Speaking on the agreements signed between the two nations, Muizzu stated that deliberations were conducted to initiate a specific agricultural scheme at Uthuru Thila Falhu (UTF), the Maldives President’s Office said in a press release. He stressed that the envisioned project will guarantee the cultivation of the most frequently used agricultural commodities, sufficient for a minimum population of 200,000 people.

  • Navy locates sunken Chinese fishing vessel in Indian Ocean, relays position to PLA

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Indian Navy’s P8I maritime patrol aircraft located a Chinese fishing vessel that capsized three days ago in the Indian Ocean, officials said.

    The position of the boat was “relayed” to China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy warships for further assistance, they said.

    The Chinese vessel named ‘Lu Peng Yuan Yu 028’ with 39 crew members overturned on Tuesday in the central part of the Indian Ocean following which navies of a number of countries including India and Australia extended help to locate the vessel.

    The Indian Navy deployed its P8I maritime patrol aircraft on Wednesday and Thursday to help in the search and rescue of the vessel.

    “Continuing with the search and rescue efforts, Indian Navy’s P8I aircraft undertook an extensive search in the area and located the capsized fishing vessel on May 18,” the Navy said on Friday.

    “The position of the capsized boat was relayed to PLA (Navy) warships for further assistance. Subsequently, P8I also sighted the fishing vessel’s liferaft and guided fishing vessel Lu Peng Yuan Yu 017 towards it,” it said.

    On Thursday, the Navy said it deployed its air maritime reconnaissance assets in the Southern Indian Ocean region approximately 900 nautical miles from India to trace the Chinese vessel.

    The crew of the vessel includes nationals from China, Indonesia and the Philippines.

    “In a display of India’s obligations as a credible and responsible partner for ensuring safety at sea, the Indian Navy units also coordinated search and rescue efforts with other units in the area and guided the PLA (Navy) warships transiting to the scene of the incident,” the Indian Navy said.

    NEW DELHI: The Indian Navy’s P8I maritime patrol aircraft located a Chinese fishing vessel that capsized three days ago in the Indian Ocean, officials said.

    The position of the boat was “relayed” to China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy warships for further assistance, they said.

    The Chinese vessel named ‘Lu Peng Yuan Yu 028’ with 39 crew members overturned on Tuesday in the central part of the Indian Ocean following which navies of a number of countries including India and Australia extended help to locate the vessel.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    The Indian Navy deployed its P8I maritime patrol aircraft on Wednesday and Thursday to help in the search and rescue of the vessel.

    “Continuing with the search and rescue efforts, Indian Navy’s P8I aircraft undertook an extensive search in the area and located the capsized fishing vessel on May 18,” the Navy said on Friday.

    “The position of the capsized boat was relayed to PLA (Navy) warships for further assistance. Subsequently, P8I also sighted the fishing vessel’s liferaft and guided fishing vessel Lu Peng Yuan Yu 017 towards it,” it said.

    On Thursday, the Navy said it deployed its air maritime reconnaissance assets in the Southern Indian Ocean region approximately 900 nautical miles from India to trace the Chinese vessel.

    The crew of the vessel includes nationals from China, Indonesia and the Philippines.

    “In a display of India’s obligations as a credible and responsible partner for ensuring safety at sea, the Indian Navy units also coordinated search and rescue efforts with other units in the area and guided the PLA (Navy) warships transiting to the scene of the incident,” the Indian Navy said.

  • Indian Navy carries out extensive searches for Chinese fishing vessel that sank with 39 on board

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: In a swift humanitarian response, the Indian Navy deployed its Air Maritime Reconnaissance assets in the Southern Indian Ocean Region (IOR) to search for a Chinese fishing vessel which sank with 39 crew on board.

    The vessel, Lu Peng Yuan Yu 028, sank approximately 900 nautical miles from India with the crew including nationals from China, Indonesia and Philippines.

    The Indian Navy said, “P8I aircraft have carried out multiple and extensive searches despite adverse weather and located multiple objects possibly belonging to the sunken vessel.” The P-8I aircraft is the Indian Navy’s long-range, multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft.

    In addition, as an immediate response, “Search and rescue (SAR) equipment was deployed at the scene by the Indian aircraft on request of PLA (N) ships closing the area,” the Navy added.

    In a display of India’s obligations as a credible and responsible partner for ensuring safety at sea, the Indian Navy units also coordinated SAR efforts with other units in the area and guided the PLA (N) warships transiting to the scene of the incident, said the Indian Navy.

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    “The Indian Navy continues to remain deployed to provide all possible assistance to the ongoing SAR efforts,” it added.

    The Indian Ocean Region comprises the Indian Ocean and the countries that border it including Australia, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Madagascar, Somalia, Tanzania, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

    The Indian Ocean is the third largest water body in the world with vital sea lanes of communication crisscrossing it and plays an important role in running Asia’s largest economies. Other than the commercial fishing done in the area, around 80 per cent of the world’s seaborne oil trade passes through this ocean which is the connecting link between the east and the west.

    NEW DELHI: In a swift humanitarian response, the Indian Navy deployed its Air Maritime Reconnaissance assets in the Southern Indian Ocean Region (IOR) to search for a Chinese fishing vessel which sank with 39 crew on board.

    The vessel, Lu Peng Yuan Yu 028, sank approximately 900 nautical miles from India with the crew including nationals from China, Indonesia and Philippines.

    The Indian Navy said, “P8I aircraft have carried out multiple and extensive searches despite adverse weather and located multiple objects possibly belonging to the sunken vessel.” The P-8I aircraft is the Indian Navy’s long-range, multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    In addition, as an immediate response, “Search and rescue (SAR) equipment was deployed at the scene by the Indian aircraft on request of PLA (N) ships closing the area,” the Navy added.

    In a display of India’s obligations as a credible and responsible partner for ensuring safety at sea, the Indian Navy units also coordinated SAR efforts with other units in the area and guided the PLA (N) warships transiting to the scene of the incident, said the Indian Navy.

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    “The Indian Navy continues to remain deployed to provide all possible assistance to the ongoing SAR efforts,” it added.

    The Indian Ocean Region comprises the Indian Ocean and the countries that border it including Australia, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Madagascar, Somalia, Tanzania, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

    The Indian Ocean is the third largest water body in the world with vital sea lanes of communication crisscrossing it and plays an important role in running Asia’s largest economies. Other than the commercial fishing done in the area, around 80 per cent of the world’s seaborne oil trade passes through this ocean which is the connecting link between the east and the west.

  • India extends 100 million USD line of credit to Maldives; Greater Male connectivity projects launched

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: India and Maldives on Tuesday inked six agreements to expand cooperation in a range of areas including cyber security, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcing a USD 100 million financial aid to help the island nation complete certain infrastructure projects.

    Prime Minister Modi announced a Line of Credit of USD 100 million (one million = 10 lakh) for Maldives for the completion of development projects in a time-bound manner.

    After wide-ranging talks with visiting Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Modi also said that India will provide 24 vehicles and a naval vessel to the Maldivian security forces, besides developing police infrastructure in 61 islands in that country.

    In his media statement, Modi, in the presence of Solih, said India “has been and will continue” to be the “first responder” to any need or crisis facing the Maldives.

    The bolstering of bilateral defence and security ties including in the maritime domain comes in the backdrop of concerns over China’s growing forays into the Indian Ocean region, considered the backyard of the Indian Navy.

    The Maldivian president, who arrived here on Monday on a four-day visit, said his government is fully committed to taking the bilateral ties to new heights.

    “Our relationship with India will always be of the highest priority. The Maldives will always remain a true friend of India, firmly committed to our shared vision of peace and development in our countries and the region,” Solih said.

    The six pacts inked between the two sides will facilitate cooperation in capacity building, cyber security, housing, disaster management and infrastructure development in the Maldives.

    Addressing the joint press meet with President @ibusolih. https://t.co/IPWxvKlilA
    — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 2, 2022
    The Maldives is one of India’s key maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean Region and the overall bilateral ties including in areas of defence and security have been on an upward trajectory in the last few years.

    In his comments, Modi said the India-Maldives partnership is not only working in the interest of the citizens of both countries but also becoming a “source” of peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

    The two leaders also virtually witnessed the pouring of the first concrete for the ambitious greater-Male connectivity project.

    In August last year, the island nation sealed a contract for the implementation of the India-funded connectivity project, billed as the largest infrastructure initiative being rolled out in the island nation.

    Under the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) project, a 6.74 km long bridge and causeway link will be built to connect the capital city Male with adjoining islands of Villingli, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi.

    “We welcomed the beginning of work on the greater Male connectivity projects. It will be the biggest infra project. We also reviewed projects for the construction of 4,000 social housing units in Greater Male,” Modi said.

    “I am happy to announce that we will additionally provide financial support for 2000 social housing units. We have also decided to provide an additional line of credit of USD 100 million so that all projects can be completed in a time-bound manner,” Modi added.

    The prime minister said there has been a renewed vigour in the friendly relations between India and Maldives and the closeness has increased.

    “The threat of trans-national crime, terrorism and drug trafficking is serious in the Indian Ocean. And therefore, close contact and coordination between India and Maldives in the field of defence and security are vital for the peace and stability of the entire region,” Modi said.

    The prime minister also elaborated on greater bilateral cooperation in dealing with the pressing challenges.

    “It includes cooperation in capacity building for the Maldivian security forces and their training. I am happy to announce that India will provide 24 vehicles and a naval boat for Maldivian security personnel. We will cooperate in developing infrastructure for police in 61 islands of the Maldives,” he said.

    The prime minister said that India will also assist the Maldives in achieving its target of net zero carbon emissions by 2030.

    The Maldivian leader thanked India for its generous assistance when his country was reeling under the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “Was it not for generous assistance received in the form of budgetary support, medical assistance and supplies, and the Covishield vaccines donated by the government of India, our economic recovery would have been hard and long,” he said.

    Solih said he and Modi also discussed the challenge of terrorism.

    “We both reiterated our firm commitment towards work against terrorism and strengthen cooperation in the maritime safety and security in the Indian Ocean Region,” he said.

    Referring to the cyber security pact, he said it is based on “equality reciprocity and mutual benefit”.

    The Maldivian president also invited Indian investors to explore the opportunities in his country and forge a mutually beneficial partnership.

    “We welcome the operationalisation of the RuPay cards in the Maldives and agreed to consider further measures to boost bilateral travel and tourism and economic linkages,” Solih said.

    NEW DELHI: India and Maldives on Tuesday inked six agreements to expand cooperation in a range of areas including cyber security, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcing a USD 100 million financial aid to help the island nation complete certain infrastructure projects.

    Prime Minister Modi announced a Line of Credit of USD 100 million (one million = 10 lakh) for Maldives for the completion of development projects in a time-bound manner.

    After wide-ranging talks with visiting Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Modi also said that India will provide 24 vehicles and a naval vessel to the Maldivian security forces, besides developing police infrastructure in 61 islands in that country.

    In his media statement, Modi, in the presence of Solih, said India “has been and will continue” to be the “first responder” to any need or crisis facing the Maldives.

    The bolstering of bilateral defence and security ties including in the maritime domain comes in the backdrop of concerns over China’s growing forays into the Indian Ocean region, considered the backyard of the Indian Navy.

    The Maldivian president, who arrived here on Monday on a four-day visit, said his government is fully committed to taking the bilateral ties to new heights.

    “Our relationship with India will always be of the highest priority. The Maldives will always remain a true friend of India, firmly committed to our shared vision of peace and development in our countries and the region,” Solih said.

    The six pacts inked between the two sides will facilitate cooperation in capacity building, cyber security, housing, disaster management and infrastructure development in the Maldives.

    Addressing the joint press meet with President @ibusolih. https://t.co/IPWxvKlilA
    — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 2, 2022
    The Maldives is one of India’s key maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean Region and the overall bilateral ties including in areas of defence and security have been on an upward trajectory in the last few years.

    In his comments, Modi said the India-Maldives partnership is not only working in the interest of the citizens of both countries but also becoming a “source” of peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

    The two leaders also virtually witnessed the pouring of the first concrete for the ambitious greater-Male connectivity project.

    In August last year, the island nation sealed a contract for the implementation of the India-funded connectivity project, billed as the largest infrastructure initiative being rolled out in the island nation.

    Under the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) project, a 6.74 km long bridge and causeway link will be built to connect the capital city Male with adjoining islands of Villingli, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi.

    “We welcomed the beginning of work on the greater Male connectivity projects. It will be the biggest infra project. We also reviewed projects for the construction of 4,000 social housing units in Greater Male,” Modi said.

    “I am happy to announce that we will additionally provide financial support for 2000 social housing units. We have also decided to provide an additional line of credit of USD 100 million so that all projects can be completed in a time-bound manner,” Modi added.

    The prime minister said there has been a renewed vigour in the friendly relations between India and Maldives and the closeness has increased.

    “The threat of trans-national crime, terrorism and drug trafficking is serious in the Indian Ocean. And therefore, close contact and coordination between India and Maldives in the field of defence and security are vital for the peace and stability of the entire region,” Modi said.

    The prime minister also elaborated on greater bilateral cooperation in dealing with the pressing challenges.

    “It includes cooperation in capacity building for the Maldivian security forces and their training. I am happy to announce that India will provide 24 vehicles and a naval boat for Maldivian security personnel. We will cooperate in developing infrastructure for police in 61 islands of the Maldives,” he said.

    The prime minister said that India will also assist the Maldives in achieving its target of net zero carbon emissions by 2030.

    The Maldivian leader thanked India for its generous assistance when his country was reeling under the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “Was it not for generous assistance received in the form of budgetary support, medical assistance and supplies, and the Covishield vaccines donated by the government of India, our economic recovery would have been hard and long,” he said.

    Solih said he and Modi also discussed the challenge of terrorism.

    “We both reiterated our firm commitment towards work against terrorism and strengthen cooperation in the maritime safety and security in the Indian Ocean Region,” he said.

    Referring to the cyber security pact, he said it is based on “equality reciprocity and mutual benefit”.

    The Maldivian president also invited Indian investors to explore the opportunities in his country and forge a mutually beneficial partnership.

    “We welcome the operationalisation of the RuPay cards in the Maldives and agreed to consider further measures to boost bilateral travel and tourism and economic linkages,” Solih said.

  • Indian Ocean witnesses great power rivalry, basing facilities to China complicates it further: Vice Chief Navy

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: While the Indian Ocean region has become vulnerable to new unconventional threats and is witnessing great power rivalry, the basing facilities acquired by China in the region have further complicated the situation, says Indian Navy’s Vice Chief.

    Vice Admiral SN Ghormade said on Saturday, “Indian Ocean Region is witnessing the great power rivalry and situation has been complicated with China having been provided basing facilities at Djibouti, Pakistan, Sri lanka, Bangladesh and Myanmar.”

    The Vice Chief was speaking on leveraging the military powers at the first Indraprastha Grand Strategy Conference by New Delhi based think tank Indian futures.

    What has added to the vulnerabilities are piracy, gun running, drug trafficking, illegal immigration, pollution, port security, smuggling, international terrorism, and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction added Vice Admiral Ghormade.  

    Speaking on the roles, hard power and soft power of the maritime forces Ghormade pointed to the increased freedom of navigation operations in the south China Sea. “Naval forces can be effectively utilized for political signaling and posturing. The increase in freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea by the US Navy and its allies is an apt example.”

    There are various risks at sea as. “Non-adherence to rules based on international order and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, maritime militia, quest for hydrocarbons, and competing EEZ Claims have a risk of manifesting into flashpoints and causing instability.”

    The Vice Chief pointed out that China’s enhanced capabilities in the domain of space and cyber will increase its battle space transparency and provide information dominance.

    In the Indian Ocean region resources are likely to be a primary driver for contested maritime claims that could lead to conflict. Pressures of population, regional interference, ethnic strife, scarce natural resources, border disputes and weak littoral governments are likely to contribute to instability in the region.

    As per Vice Chief, well being, economic prosperity and the nation is the unstated Grand Strategy.

    Leveraging Military power is one of the most important traits of the apex leadership and dimension of statecraft. “Military power is not only leveraged for military crises but for various other contingencies such as Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) Efforts, Evacuation of Indian Diaspora and assistance required to civilian authorities.” he said.

    Sea power is a facilitator of Economic power, he said. “We must remember the 70, 80, 90 rule. &0 percent of the ocean surface is ocean surface, 80 percent of the world population lives within 200 kilometer distance from the oceans and 90 percent of Global Trade touches ocean at one point or the other and 100 percent of global information traffic passes through ocean,” Ghormade said.

    Safe and Secure maritime environment is prerequisite to nurture our strategic interests and strong armed force is requisite for peace and stability

    Highlighting the soft power and benign role of the Indian Navy the Vice Chief of Naval Staff said, “during the first break of pandemic operation Samudra Setu was launched to provide medical succor and repatriate citizens in the pandemic. Ships traversed 23000 km to evacuate 3993 Indians.”

    “In end April Second wave put tremendous pressure on medical infra thus operation Samudra Setu-II was launched to augment mission for meeting Oxygen Requirement. 10 ships transported 1150 Metric tons of medical equipment and good including the Oxygen Cylinders, Empty cylinders, Oxymeters, concentrators, brought from across the expanse of Indian Ocean was resounding success.” he added. 

  • India should use its island territories as aircraft carrier

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI:  To ramp up the country’s security ring in the Indian Ocean in the backdrop of worrisome Chinese activities, India should utilise its island territories and use the peninsular mainland territory to its optimum, says a senior government official.

    Commenting on the third aircraft carrier for Indian Navy, the official said: “India should develop its island territory as an unsinkable aircraft carrier and also use the peninsular landmass jutting into the Indian Ocean to its advantage.”

    On the Chinese threat in the Indian Ocean with a possible deployment of its aircraft carrier in the future, the official said China has other areas which need focus. “The Chinese have other priorities such as Taiwan and Japan before they can come to Indian Ocean. And if they try to deploy a carrier, we are capable enough to handle them, he added.

    The Indian Navy has been pitching for the third aircraft carrier for long. The logic put across is that the country should have at least two active carriers at any given time. In such a case availability of three aircraft carriers will give options of deploying one each on the eastern and western seaboard and the third can be put to the maintenance and repair cycle. 

    China has been constructing aircraft carriers at a fast pace with a projected plan to operate 10 carriers by 2050. At present their third and most advanced aircraft carrier is being built with the first one, Liaoning, being commissioned in 2012 and second, Shandong, ready in 2019.

  • India, UK hold two-day joint naval drill in Indian Ocean 

    Express News Service
    NEW DELHI: The Indian Navy and the Carrier Strike Group HMS Queen Elizabeth of the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy conducted a two-day Passage Exercise in the Bay of Bengal. 

    The exercise was designed to hone the ability of the two navies to operate together in the maritime domain was held on Wednesday and Thursday. It’s the maiden joint exercise of the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy’s latest aircraft carrier.

    Indian Navy, in a press release, said, “HMS Queen Elizabeth CSG-21 comprises of Type 23 Frigates and an Astute-class submarine in addition to the other surface combatants. Indian Navy was represented by INS Ships Satpura, Ranvir, Jyoti, Kavaratti, Kulish, and a submarine. Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft P8I which is capable of anti-submarine warfare also participated in the exercise.” 

    The ongoing exercise involves the entire spectrum of maritime operations including Anti-Submarine Warfare, Anti-Air, and Anti-Surface warfare. The exercise also witnessed the maiden participation of the F-35 B Lightning which operates from the deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth.

    It was a significant exercise that had the combined forces equating to 10 ships, two submarines, approximately 20 aircraft, and almost 4,000 personnel. 

    Regular IN-RN interactions over the years have augmented their professional content, interoperability, and adaptability in the ever-changing security scenarios. The inter-operability achieved over the years has ensured a quantum jump in the complexity and scale of professional exchanges which is being further enhanced by the presence of the Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike Group in the Indian Ocean. There are more exercises planned between the two navies in the future.

    The maritime partnership exercise between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy will see them conducting a range of multi-ship, air, sea, and sub-surface maritime evolutions and close-quarter manoeuvring.

    An Indian warship will also participate in the drill with the Royal Navy off the British coast in August.

    The UK High Commission in India said, “This is a month that will see the Royal Navy and Indian Navy meet and work together in two oceans -– beginning in the Indian Ocean as the UK Carrier Strike Group arrives for the first of multiple UK-India exercises and events. Later this summer, both will participate in a separate exercise in the Atlantic Ocean.”

  • India, US kick off mega wargame in Indian Ocean with eye on China

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: India and the US on Wednesday kicked off a two-day multi-domain wargame in the Indian Ocean involving an array of air defence platforms to further consolidate their operational synergy in the face of China’s increasing military presence in the region.

    The US has deployed its naval carrier strike group, led by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, as well as a fleet of F-18 fighter jets and E-2C Hawkeye all-weather aircraft for the exercise, officials said.

    The Indian assets at the exercise included Jaguar and Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets, IL-78 air-to-air refuelling tanker aircraft, AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft and warships Kochi and Teg.

    The Indian Navy has also deployed a fleet of P8I maritime surveillance aircraft and MiG 29K jets, apart from other platforms.

    The US Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is currently deployed in the Indian Ocean region.

    A carrier battle group or carrier strike group is a mega naval fleet comprising an aircraft carrier, accompanied by a large number of destroyers, frigates and other ships.

    “The Indian naval warships, along with aircraft from the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force will be engaged in the joint multi-domain operations with the carrier strike group comprising Nimitz-class aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan, Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey and Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh,” Indian Navy’s spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said on Tuesday.

    He said the two-day exercise aims to strengthen the bilateral relationship and cooperation by demonstrating the ability to integrate and coordinate comprehensively in maritime operations.

    Officials said the high-tempo exercise will include advanced air-defence drills, cross-deck helicopter operations and anti-submarine manoeuvres with an aim to hone the war-fighting skills and enhance interoperability between the two sides.

    The exercise is being carried out south of Thiruvananthapuram, on the western seaboard.

    The officials said the exercise is focussing on multiple areas, including enhancing the aspects of interoperability, nuances of international integrated maritime search-and-rescue operations and exchange of best practices in the maritime airpower domain.

    The Indo-US defence ties have been on an upswing in the last few years.

    In June 2016, the US had designated India as a “Major Defence Partner”.

    The two countries have also inked key defence and security pacts over the last few years, including the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016 that allows their militaries to use each other’s bases for repair and replenishment of supplies as well as provides for deeper cooperation.

    The two sides have also signed the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) in 2018 that provides for interoperability between the two militaries and the sale of high-end technology from the US to India.

    In October last year, India and the US sealed the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) to further boost the bilateral defence ties.

    The pact provides for the sharing of high-end military technology, logistics and geospatial maps between the two countries.

  • Indian Navy and Air force to exercise with US Carrier Strike Group in Indian Ocean

    Express News Service
    NEW DELHI: In a major exercise involving the warships and aircraft, the Indian Navy and Air Force are going to Participate in a Passage Exercise with US Navy Carrier Strike Group Ronald Reagan during its transit through Indian Ocean Region on 23rd and 24th June 2021.

    As per the Indian Navy, “The two-day exercise aims to strengthen the bilateral relationship and cooperation by demonstrating the ability to integrate and coordinate comprehensively in maritime operations.”

    The Indian Naval Ships (INS) Kochi and Teg along with P8I and MiG 29K aircraft and Indian Air Force will be engaged in joint multi-domain operations with the Carrier Strike Group comprising Nimitz class Nuclear aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan, Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer USS Halsey and Ticonderoga class guided missile cruiser USS Shiloh.

    The Exercise is taking place in the Area of Responsibility of Southern Air Command. Indian Air force informed, “It will see the IAF forces operate from bases under four operational commands and will include Jaguars & Su-30 MKI fighters, AWACS, AEW&C and Air to Air Refueller aircraft. The US CSG is expected to field F-18 fighters and E-2C Hawkeye AEW&C aircraft.”

    The Exercise will include high tempo operations which will, “include advanced air defence exercises, cross deck helicopter operations and anti-submarine exercises.” the Navy said.

    “Indian Navy and US Navy regularly undertake a host of bilateral and multilateral exercises which underscore the shared values as partner navies, in ensuring commitment to an open, inclusive and a rule-based international order,” added the Indian Navy.

    The reports indicated that the Japan based US CSG, currently in the Indian Ocean, is on transit to the Middle east to provide support in completing the US Force withdrawal from Afghanistan. 

  • India, US begin two-day naval exercise in eastern Indian Ocean region

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: India and the US on Sunday kicked off a two-day naval exercise in the eastern Indian Ocean Region, reflecting the growing congruence in their defence and military partnership.

    The Indian Navy deployed its warship Shivalik and long-range maritime patrol aircraft P8I in the ‘PASSEX’ exercise while the US Navy was represented by the USS Theodore Rosevelt carrier strike group, officials said.

    A carrier battle group or carrier strike group is a mega naval fleet comprising an aircraft carrier, accompanied by a large number of destroyers, frigates and other ships.

    “In a first, enhancing jointmanship, Indian Air Force fighters were also included in the exercise affording the IAF an opportunity to practice air interception and air defence with the US Navy,” a spokesperson of the Indian Navy said.

    The exercise came over a week after US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin flew into India as part of his three-nation first overseas tour that signalled the Joe Biden administration’s strong commitment to its relations with its close allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

    During the visit, both sides resolved to further consolidate their robust defence cooperation through deeper military-to-military engagement with Austin describing the partnership as a “stronghold” of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

    The officials said the exercise began on Sunday and will conclude on Monday.

    The spokesperson said the exercise is aimed at consolidating the synergy and interoperability achieved during the Malabar exercise that took place in November last.

    Besides the Indian Navy, the Malabar naval exercise was participated by the navies of the US, Australia and Japan.

    The four countries are part of the Quad or Quadrilateral coalition.

    China has been suspicious about the purpose of the Malabar exercise as it feels that the annual war game is an effort to contain its influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

    In July last, the Indian Navy carried out a military exercise with a US Navy carrier strike group led by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz off the coast of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

    The USS Nimitz is the world’s largest warship.