Call of duty: Indian Navy increases visibility and presence in Indian Ocean

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Security and Growth for all in the Region (SAGAR) has given Indian Navy the direction to adapt and strengthen presence and visibility in the Indian Ocean region.

A Mission Based Deployment – Indian Navy answers the Call of Duty and adopts a new Mission-based deployment concept which was unveiled in the last Naval Commander’s Conference. The plan involves deploying mission-ready ships and aircraft along critical sea lanes of communications and choke points in the territorial waters. The ships are deployed, ready to meet any eventuality, be it acts of maritime terrorism and piracy etc. These deployments are aimed to be maintained 24/7 and round the year with ships being sustained and turned around on station.

Indian Navy has been the first to respond to many crisis situations around in the Indian Ocean Region. Let us look at how our naval forces have acted on the call of duty  –

1. The Navy was quick to respond to the heavy rains and flooding in Sri Lanka.
2. Indian navy met the requirements post Cyclone Mora in Bangladesh and Myanmar.
3. The Navy was also there to secure the release of the Indian dhow Al-Kausar and the crew from Somali pirates.
4. The rescue of three persons including a woman from a sinking tug off Maldives was another instance where a mission-deployed ship was available to respond immediately to a request for help.

   

As per Press release, the Chief of the Naval Staff has approved a new Transition cycle for ships from Maintenance periods to Operational Deployments that allows for a focused and gradual transition of ships from periods of maintenance layoffs to full-scale operations.

Growth with security – The idea that there can be no growth without security is well understood. The Indian Navy has emerged as the Net Security Provider in the region and engagements through Coordinated patrols (CORPATs) of Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ), Bi-lateral exercises, Training exchanges and cross-visits of trainees and others have seen an increase.

Whole of Government Approach – The different government agencies are now working in tandem for better and more effective engagement. The Ministry of Defense, the Ministry for External affairs have started working towards increasing strength, visibility and presence of our Naval powers in thee region.

Naval Commander’s Conference – The ongoing Naval Commander’s Conference would, among other issues, review the new Mission-based deployment concept and seek to ascertain its effectiveness. The top naval commanders would also deliberate upon ways to improve its efficiency and functioning.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of SAGAR is giving direction and encouragement to our Indian Navy towards security, cooperation and capability building initiatives to protect and preserve maritime security, peace and stability in the region.

Source – Press release from Indian Navy