New Delhi: India has significantly bolstered its maritime security efforts by deploying more than 10 frontline warships, accompanied by marine commandos, across the northern and central Arabian Sea to the Gulf of Aden. This strategic move aims to showcase a robust naval presence and deter threats such as piracy and drone strikes in the region. India has opted for independent operations rather than joining the US-led multinational initiative, ‘Operation Prosperity Guardian,’ initiated in the Red Sea in response to attacks by Houthi rebels from Yemen.
With escalating concerns over piracy and drone attacks impacting crucial sea lanes, the Indian Navy is adopting a ‘persistent presence’ in the Arabian Sea to address the surge in freight rates. The deployment includes guided-missile destroyers like INS Kolkata, INS Kochi, INS Chennai, and INS Mormugao, along with multi-role frigates like INS Talwar and INS Tarkash. This naval initiative also involves close coordination with the Indian Coast Guard for enhanced surveillance of the Exclusive Economic Zone.
To combat emerging threats, the Indian Navy is conducting regular intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions using P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft and MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones. These aircraft are equipped with advanced sensors, providing live feeds of high-resolution imagery to support surveillance efforts along the west coast.
The recent successful intervention by INS Chennai and its marine commandos in thwarting a hijack attempt on the MV Lila Norfolk in the north Arabian Sea on January 5 underscores the effectiveness of the ongoing operations. The Navy clarified that its warships are well-equipped to counter drone attacks, possessing a variety of guns, short and medium-range air defense missiles, and jammers if the situation demands.
While not participating in ‘Operation Prosperity Guardian,’ the Indian Navy maintains continuous information sharing and coordination with navies of friendly foreign countries, including the US, UK, and France. The Navy’s Information Management and Analysis Centre (IMAC) and the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) play pivotal roles in assessing threats and fostering collaboration with international partners to enhance overall maritime security. India’s commitment to maritime security is evident through its ‘mission-based deployments,’ allowing swift responses to evolving security challenges in the region. Notably, India has been actively deploying warships for anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden since October 2008, with approximately 110 vessels engaged in such missions over the years.
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