India has taken a significant step in enhancing maritime security cooperation with Mozambique by gifting two Fast Interceptor Crafts (FIC) to the East African nation. The ceremony, which took place on November 9, 2024, was part of India’s ongoing commitment to support capacity-building initiatives with friendly nations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
The handover was facilitated through the Indian Navy Ship (INS) Gharial, which was responsible for transshipping the vessels to Mozambique. Esteemed attendees included Robert Shetkintong, the High Commissioner of India in Mozambique, along with Col Puneet Attri, India’s newly appointed Defence Adviser, and Commander Rajan Chib, the Commanding Officer of INS Gharial. Representing the Mozambican government, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of National Defence, Augusto Casimiro Mueio, formally accepted the crafts.
The Indian Navy highlighted that these two FICs will play a critical role in assisting Mozambique in its ongoing fight against maritime threats, including terrorism and the insurgency that has been affecting the Cabo Delgado province. This donation builds on India’s previous military support, which included gifting two large interceptor vessels in 2019 and another set of two FICs of the same class in January 2022.
These water-jet propelled crafts are designed for high-speed maritime operations, boasting a top speed of 45 knots and a range of 200 nautical miles when cruising at 12 knots. Each craft can accommodate a crew of five and is outfitted with machine guns and bullet-resistant cabins, enhancing their operational capabilities.
India’s contributions to Mozambique extend beyond military hardware. The Indian Navy has established itself as a crucial partner in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) efforts throughout the region, responding promptly to natural disasters. For instance, in 2021, India donated 100,000 doses of the Covishield vaccine to Mozambique during the COVID-19 pandemic and facilitated the supply of over one million vaccine doses via the COVAX initiative.
In a notable act of support in March 2019, after Cyclone Idai devastated the Sofala province, Indian Navy ships were diverted to provide critical assistance. These vessels rescued over 200 civilians, treated more than 2,300 people with emergency medical care, and delivered 10 tonnes of food supplies to affected areas through boats and helicopters.
The Indian Navy is increasingly viewed as a preferred partner by several nations in the IOR, focusing on collaborative efforts to enhance maritime security capabilities. Initiatives include training and equipping local maritime forces to combat common security challenges such as piracy, drug and human trafficking, illegal fishing, and maritime terrorism.
Further strengthening this partnership, India gifted an Infantry weapons training simulator to Mozambique in November 2023, which is set to be installed at the Army Practicing School in Manhica, near Maputo. The Navy is also committed to providing on-job training for operating and maintaining the gifted vessels through the Indian Coast Guard’s Afloat Support Team stationed in Maputo.
Over the past two years, Indian warships have regularly visited key Mozambican ports, including Maputo, Beira, and Nacala. Indian naval vessels participated in the second edition of the India-Mozambique-Tanzania (IMT) Trilateral Exercise in March 2023 and have collaborated with the Mozambique Navy on exclusive economic zone surveillance missions, further solidifying their partnership in maritime security and operational training.
