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 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, a Times of India report said, adding that, 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 in 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 a 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.
Predator is 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.
