The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): The Indian Navy has intensified its presence and surveillance activities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) to strengthen maritime security. Regular deployment of Indian Navy units on Mission Based Deployments in the IOR is a key part of this initiative. Since 2008, the Navy has been actively conducting anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden and off the East coast of Africa. These efforts have resulted in the safe escort of a total of 3,440 ships and over 25,000 seafarers.
In a collaborative effort to further secure the region, the Indian Navy is proactively engaging with both regional and extra-regional navies and maritime forces. This cooperation involves bilateral and multilateral maritime exercises, Joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance, and Coordinated Patrols (CORPATs) with friendly foreign countries. These activities are focused on countering non-traditional threats and enhancing maritime security through inclusive and cooperative approaches.
To strengthen regional maritime security, the Government of India has established the Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR). The center has formed linkages with 25 partner nations and over 40 international multinational organizations, enabling real-time information exchange to boost maritime security. In light of the ongoing maritime security situation, Indian Navy units are deployed off Djibouti, in the Gulf of Aden, in the North and Central Arabian Sea, and off the East Coast of Somalia. Their role includes the protection of merchant vessels and providing assistance as needed. Furthermore, the Navy is actively involved in information exchange and intelligence sharing with friendly foreign countries to identify the sources, reasons, and players involved in maritime attacks and incidents.
This update was provided by the Raksha Rajya Mantri, Shri Ajay Bhatt, in a written response to Shri Kunwar Pushpendra Singh Chandel in the Lok Sabha.