The Indian Navy has intensified its maritime security operations in the North and Central Arabian Sea as well as the Gulf of Aden, collaborating with the Indian Coast Guard to ensure the enhanced surveillance of merchant vessels. This move comes in response to growing concerns over the safety of merchant shipping and seafarers in these strategic waterways.
Utilizing its Task Groups, the Navy has been actively deployed in the region over the past week. Their operations involve meticulous investigations of numerous fishing vessels, with a particular focus on those deemed of interest, to guarantee the security of the maritime domain.
To further extend surveillance within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the Navy has bolstered its collaboration with the Indian Coast Guard. Together, they are actively monitoring the situation and working to safeguard merchant shipping and seafarers in the region.
In order to provide continuous oversight of the vast maritime expanse, the Navy’s maritime patrol aircraft and remotely piloted aircraft (RPAs) are engaged in persistent surveillance operations. Through these efforts, the Navy aims to ensure the uninterrupted and secure passage of Indian Flagged Merchant Vessels and other commercial shipping operations that traverse these waters.
The Indian Navy has also established specialized centers such as the Information Management and Analysis Centre (IMAC) and the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR). These centers are dedicated to meticulous monitoring of ‘white shipping,’ referring to commercial shipping operations. Their focus, in particular, is on Indian Flagged Merchant Vessels, guaranteeing their safety and uninterrupted passage in these crucial waterways.
By coordinating with national maritime agencies, the Indian Navy remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of merchant shipping and seafarers in the North and Central Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The measures taken by the Navy reflect the importance of protecting these vital maritime routes and maintaining stability in the region. With their enhanced surveillance capabilities and close collaboration with the Coast Guard, the Indian Navy is well-equipped to address the challenges posed by maritime security threats, ensuring the safety of merchant vessels and seafarers in these critical waterways.
