The Indian Navy has significantly increased its operational presence in the Southwest Indian Ocean region, deploying warships to enhance capacity building and conduct joint exercises aimed at strengthening maritime partnerships along the eastern coast of Africa. A notable deployment in this effort is the stealth frigate INS Talwar, which recently undertook a series of strategic engagements in the region.
INS Talwar commenced its mission by docking at Mombasa, Kenya, where it conducted Passage Exercises (PASSEX) alongside the Kenyan naval forces. This collaboration underscores a commitment to bolstering regional maritime security through joint operations and shared training initiatives.
Following its activities in Kenya, INS Talwar set course for Cape Town, South Africa, to participate in IBSAMAR exercises, a trilateral naval exercise that includes India, Brazil, and South Africa. This engagement is pivotal in enhancing interoperability among the navies of these three nations and further underscores India’s commitment to regional naval cooperation.
The frigate’s journey continued to La Reunion, a French territory of strategic importance in the Indian Ocean, where efforts were made to deepen the maritime partnership between India and France. This visit demonstrates India’s desire to strengthen ties with European partners in the context of shared maritime security interests.
After La Reunion, INS Talwar’s final stop was in Male’, Maldives, where it played a crucial role in escorting the Maldives’ Coast Guard Ship Huravee back to India for necessary refurbishment. This operation exemplifies the robust defense relationship between New Delhi and Male’, reinforcing mutual commitments to maritime safety and security.
Concurrently, another Indian naval vessel, INS Suvarna, made significant strides in enhancing defense cooperation during a visit to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, last month. This visit featured the transfer of an Integrated Weapon Training Simulator to Tanzanian forces, aimed at boosting infantry training capabilities. Furthermore, the INS Suvarna conducted joint maritime exercises centered on Exclusive Economic Zone surveillance and anti-piracy operations, vital for safeguarding regional maritime interests.
INS Suvarna also sailed to Mauritius, coinciding with the 190th Aapravasi Divas, which honors the arrival of Indian indentured laborers in the region. During this visit, the warship assisted the Mauritius Coast Guard by towing its vessel, the Coast Guard Ship Valiant, back to Vizag, India, for a comprehensive refit.
In addition to these activities, INS Gharial was also engaged in regional operations, visiting the Maldives for coordinated exercises with the Maldives National Defence Force. The vessel continued its mission in Mozambique, where it delivered two Fast Interceptor Crafts intended to support efforts against maritime terrorism and insurgency, particularly in the troubled Cabo Delgado province. These high-speed crafts are set to significantly enhance Mozambique’s capacity to secure its maritime domain.
These deployments reflect India’s comprehensive strategy under the SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region) initiative, aimed at fostering regional maritime cooperation and security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Through these efforts, India aspires to establish itself as a stabilizing force, enhancing naval diplomacy and fostering stronger ties with various countries in the Indian Ocean, all while promoting maritime security and economic progress in the region.
