The Indian Navy has now deployed over ten warships in a bid to intensify its maritime presence in the region starting from the north and central Arabian Sea to the Gulf of Aden to deter any piracy attempts and drone strikes. 

The Indian Navy Chief — Admiral R Hari Kumar — in an exclusive conversation with CNN-News18, had mentioned how the naval force was investigating the MV Lila Norfolk hijack case and inspecting the boats in the vicinity. 

The deployment of the warships also comes with the presence of Marine Commandos (MARCOS). Officials noted that the Indian Navy is the resident power of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and will do whatever it can to safeguard the national interest of India and make the region free, fair, and open for global trade. The enhanced maritime security operations are being conducted by the nation independently.  

India has abstained from being a part of the US-led multinational ‘Operation Prosperity Guardian’ launched in the Red Sea in December. The multinational operation was launched against the backdrop of the attacks on civilian as well as military vessels in the region by the Houthi rebels of Yemen. 

India has pressed on maintaining an undeterred presence in the Arabian Sea amid the escalating threat of piracy and drone attacks on commercial ships. The aim is to assist in stabilising the situation in the Arabian Sea while promoting net maritime security, an officer was quoted as saying. 

Predators are also being used for surveillance. Consistent ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) missions are being undertaken by the already deployed long-range P-8I maritime patrol aircraft and sea guardian drones. Both of these provide high-resolution live feeds for the Navy officials to inspect and study. 

The Navy had already deployed INS Kochi, INS Kolkata, INS Mormugao along with INS Chennai and multi-role frigates INS Talwar and INS Tarkash. Dornier and helicopters were also deployed for maritime surveillance and security purposes. The Indian Navy is working in close coordination with the Coast Guard to ensure effective surveillance of the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). 

Just last week, INS Chennai and its elite commandos successfully rescued 21 crew members, including 15 Indians, from a bulk carrier in the North Arabian Sea and sanitised it in a swift operation. 

Indian Navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal had said that the INS Chennai was in the vicinity of the MV Lila Norfolk and rendered support to restore the power generation and propulsion besides assisting her commence voyage to next port of call. 

Dismissing any misconceptions about the preparedness of the Indian warships, an officer said that Navy warships are equipped with a vast range of guns, short and medium-range air defence missiles, and jammers. 

The Navy although is not a part of the multinational ‘Operation Prosperity Guardian’ in the Red Sea, but information and coordination with all the friendly foreign countries such as the US, UK and France takes place on a regular basis. 

The Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) is also on alert. The Navy’s Information Management and Analysis Centre (IMAC) also plays a crucial role in maintain maritime security. 

In addition, the Indian Navy is also working in close coordination with the other national maritime agencies to monitor the overall situation and ensure safety of the merchant vessels. 

Image Source: USNI