India’s commitment to safeguarding its crucial trade and petroleum routes in the northern Arabian Sea and western Indian Ocean received a notable boost on February 2nd as the Indian Navy successfully thwarted yet another assault on a foreign fishing vessel off the coast of Somalia by pirates from the war-torn African country.

On that day, the Iranian vessel FV Omaril faced a grave threat from Somalian pirates, only to be swiftly rescued by Indian Navy aircraft in the early hours. Responding to the distress call, INS Sharda, specializing in anti-piracy operations, quickly altered its course to intercept the threatened vessel.

Within a short span, the pirates were compelled to release the FV Omaril and its crew, comprised of 11 Iranians and eight Pakistanis, unharmed.

This recent operation underscores the Indian Navy’s continued vigilance and proactive stance against piracy in the region. Just days earlier, on January 30, 2024, the Navy conducted two successful anti-piracy operations in the Arabian Sea off Somalia.

These operations resulted in the rescue of two hijacked fishing vessels and their crews, totalling 36 members. The Indian ship Sumitra, deployed for anti-piracy and maritime security operations, played a pivotal role in these rescues, highlighting the Navy’s unwavering commitment to maritime security.

The strategic importance of these anti-piracy efforts cannot be overstated, especially around critical areas like the Gulf of Aden and the Horn of Africa, where piracy activities are most prevalent. Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt recently informed Parliament of the Navy’s proactive engagements with regional and extra-regional navies to restore maritime security in these vital zones.

Commodore Anil Jai Singh, a veteran in submarine operations and Vice President of the Indian Maritime Foundation, emphasized the significance of protecting India’s trade interests.

With a vast percentage of Indian trade passing through the northern Arabian Sea and western Indian Ocean, safeguarding these sea lanes is imperative to prevent economic losses and maintain maritime stability.

India’s role as a resident naval power in the Indian Ocean is paramount. With extensive coastline, navigable waterways, and active ports, India’s dependence on the Indian Ocean for commerce, energy imports, tourism, and fishing cannot be overstated. Hence, the Indian Navy considers the entire Indian Ocean as its area of influence.

However, maintaining maritime security extends beyond anti-piracy operations. India’s partnerships with littoral and island nations across the region are crucial for regional stability.

Initiatives like the Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) underscore India’s commitment to collaborative security measures with its maritime neighbours.

As geopolitical tensions simmer and maritime challenges persist, the Indian Navy’s proactive stance and robust capabilities stand as a bulwark against threats to India’s maritime interests.

With a busy agenda ahead in 2024, the Indian Navy remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard vital trade routes and maintain maritime security in the region.

The Indian Navy’s fleet received a significant enhancement in its surveillance capabilities as the indigenous remotely-piloted aircraft, Drishti-10, successfully completed its maiden flight following its recent induction.

Flagging off the Adani Defence-made Drishti 10 Starliner medium altitude long endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) on January 10, Indian Navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar marked a milestone in the country’s defence capabilities. The ceremony, held in Hyderabad, celebrated the integration of this advanced UAV into the naval arsenal.

Drawing inspiration from Israeli technology, Drishti 10 is based on the proven Elbit Systems’ Hermes 900 MALE UAVs, a testament to India’s efforts in leveraging global expertise to bolster its indigenous defence industry.

Assembled at Adani Defence’s Hyderabad facility, the drone symbolizes the synergy between international collaboration and domestic manufacturing prowess.

Established in 2018, Adani Defence’s Hyderabad facility is dedicated to the production of MALE UAVs under an agreement with Elbit Systems.

The facility, equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, aims to cater primarily to the export market, with approximately 20 drones already exported to various international customers.

With an impressive operational capability, Drishti UAVs are capable of conducting continuous surveillance for up to 36 hours and can carry a payload of 450 kilograms. This capability significantly enhances the long-range search and reconnaissance capabilities of both the Indian Army and Navy, providing crucial intelligence gathering capabilities.

Recognizing the importance of these advanced UAVs, the Indian Army has placed orders for two Drishti-10 drones from Adani Defence under emergency provisions.

These drones are slated for deployment in strategic sectors, including Punjab and the desert regions, to bolster border surveillance and security.

Similarly, the Indian Navy plans to deploy Drishti-10 drones in Porbandar to monitor the maritime boundary with Pakistan, enhancing maritime domain awareness and bolstering coastal security measures.

The successful induction and maiden flight of Drishti-10 mark a significant milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing. With cutting-edge technology and indigenous production capabilities, the Indian armed forces are poised to strengthen their operational readiness and defence preparedness in the face of evolving security challenges.

The 17th Staff Talks between the Indian Navy (IN) and the French Navy (FN) were held in New Delhi from February 6 to 7, 2024, highlighting the commitment of both nations to deepen cooperation in various naval domains.

Co-chaired by Rear Admiral Nirbhay Bapna, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff for Foreign Cooperation and Intelligence, Indian Navy, and Rear Admiral Jean-Marc Durandau, Director of International Engagements, French Navy, the discussions explored ongoing naval activities and opportunities for collaboration in operational, training, and Subject Matter Expert exchanges.

In a statement shared by the Indian Navy on social media platform X, it was emphasized that the talks fostered fruitful discussions, with both sides acknowledging the growing cooperation between the two navies.

The officials expressed a mutual desire to enhance collaboration and interoperability in the maritime domain, reflecting the shared commitment to maritime security and stability in the region.

The sidelines of the staff talks provided an opportunity for Rear Admiral Jean-Marc Durandau to meet with Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, Indian Navy, on February 7.

During the meeting, both officials reaffirmed the high level of synergy and interoperability between the Indian and French Navies, underscoring the importance of continued cooperation.

Additionally, Rear Admiral Durandau visited the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) on February 6.

The IFC-IOR, established by the Government of India in 2018 and hosted by the Indian Navy, serves as a platform for promoting collaboration among maritime stakeholders to enhance maritime safety and security in the Indian Ocean Region.

The 17th Staff Talks between the Indian Navy and the French Navy underscored the commitment of both nations to strengthen bilateral ties and promote regional maritime security, reflecting the shared values and strategic interests of India and France in the maritime domain.