Even as four of its ships from the eastern fleet entered Shanghai on Wednesday on a four-day port visit to China, the Navy announced its pan-Indian Ocean Region (IOR) operations, demonstrating the reach of the country's maritime diplomacy.
According to official sources, INS Savitri is in Port Victoria, Seychelles and plans to participate in the national day celebrations. Thereafter, it would be deployed for about two months to undertake surveillance of the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) of Seychelles and Mauritius.
“The Navy continues to maintain one Dornier aircraft in Seychelles to provide aerial surveillance for the EEZ and another Dornier has been deployed to meet Maldivian requirements of EEZ surveillance and anti-piracy patrol.
The Navy's support to Mauritius, Maldives and Seychelles is being provided in response to requests from their respective governments,” the sources said.
In the Gulf of Aden, INS Tabar continues its deployment for convoy escort and anti-piracy patrol.
The western fleet is all set to deploy four ships to the Horn of Africa, Red Sea and the Western Mediterranean under the command of Rear Admiral A.R. Karve, Flag Officer Commanding of Western Fleet.
“Such long range deployments, covering the Indian Ocean Region and beyond, bear testimony to the blue water capabilities and operational readiness of the Navy,” the sources said.
Addressing the recent naval commanders conference, Defence Minister A.K. Antony said the country's strategic location in the Indian Ocean and the professional capability of its Navy “bestows upon us a natural ability to play a leading role in ensuring peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region.”
