Securing international waters- India’s response to rising maritime incidents

Securing international waters: India’s response to rising maritime incidents

Responding proactively to the recent incidents in the international shipping lanes in the Red Sea, Gulf of Eden and Central/North American Sea, the Indian Navy has significantly intensified maritime surveillance efforts bolstering force levels to address the emerging threats.

The MV Ruen faced a piracy incident approximately 700 nautical miles from the Indian coast, while the MV Chem Pluto experienced a drone attack about 220 nautical miles southwest of Porbandar. These events signal a shift in maritime incidents closer to the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Aerial surveillance, conducted by long-range maritime patrol aircraft and Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs), has been amplified to achieve comprehensive maritime domain awareness.

The Indian Navy has 12 American P8I long range reconnaissance aircraft which monitor the entire Indian Ocean. Of these, an entire squadron of 20 aircraft is stationed at Rajali Naval Base in Tamil Nadu. This squadron keeps an eye on the activities of the Chinese Navy in the Bay of Bengal and the Southern Indian Ocean. Apart from this, two P8Is are stationed at INS Hansa Naval Base in Goa and have been deployed for the Arabian Sea. But in view of the incidents of drone attacks and Somalian pirates in the Arabian Sea, the number of P8Is has increased here.

In the year 2020, two MQ-9 Sea-Guardian RPA (drones) were leased from the US based General Atomics in the Indian Navy. Both of them are also deployed at INS Razali base.

It is believed that these High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) RPAs have also been deployed to monitor the Arabian Sea. Apart from this, the Navy also has Israeli Heron and Searcher drones for the last two decades which are deployed at the Naval Aviation Base in Kochi (Kerala). All these drones have been kept on high alert so that no untoward incident can happen in the Arabian Sea.

The Indian Navy collaborates closely with the Coast Guard to ensure effective surveillance of the EEZ. The coordination among national maritime agencies is pivotal, with the Indian Navy vigilantly monitoring the overall situation. The commitment remains unwavering in safeguarding the safety of merchant shipping in the region. “This coordinated effort reflects India’s dedication to maintaining stability and security in the vital maritime trade routes,” states the statement issued by the Indian Navy.

Meanwhile …

Reports in the public domain suggest that the US and UK are contemplating a substantial military intervention against the Houthi rebels in Yemen. A joint statement is anticipated from the US, Britain, and potentially Germany, indicating their final preparations for a large-scale military operation. The proposed attack includes launching hundreds of missiles and airstrikes against pre-planned targets in Western Yemen and the Red Sea. Notably, senior Houthi officials are reportedly in Tehran at the moment.

While tensions escalate in the Middle East, India’s focus remains on securing its maritime interests and ensuring the safety of vessels navigating through the crucial waterways. The increased cooperation between the Indian Navy and Coast Guard underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing evolving security challenges at sea.