The Indian Navy is intensifying its maritime activities in the Southwest Indian Ocean and West Asia, deploying warships, conducting joint exercises, and engaging in capacity-building initiatives. The increased presence underlines India’s ambitions to secure critical trade routes and bolster ties with regional partners amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.
Maritime Diplomacy in the Southwest Indian Ocean
As part of India’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) initiative, the Navy recently ramped up its deployments in the Southwest Indian Ocean. Stealth frigate INS Talwar led the charge, visiting Mombasa, Kenya, for Passage Exercises (PASSEX) with Kenyan naval forces. The ship then participated in the IBSAMAR exercises in Cape Town, South Africa, alongside Brazil and South Africa, before proceeding to La Reunion, a French territory of strategic significance.
INS Talwar later called on the Maldives, escorting the Maldivian Coast Guard Ship Huravee to India for repairs, a gesture symbolising strong defence ties between New Delhi and Male.
In a parallel mission, INS Suvarna visited Tanzania, delivering an Integrated Weapon Training Simulator to enhance Tanzanian infantry training. The warship also conducted joint exercises on Exclusive Economic Zone surveillance and anti-piracy operations. A subsequent visit to Mauritius coincided with the 190th Aapravasi Divas, commemorating Indian indentured labourers.
INS Suvarna later escorted the Mauritius Coast Guard Ship Valiant to India for refit. INS Gharial added to the efforts, transferring Fast Interceptor Crafts to Mozambique to bolster its fight against maritime terrorism and insurgency in Cabo Delgado province.
Strategic Footprint in West Asia
In the Gulf, the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron intensified engagements in October, with port visits and exercises to strengthen regional security. INS Shardul participated in the India-UAE Bilateral Naval Exercise at Port Rashid, while Oman hosted the Naseem-Al-Bahr drills, which focused on anti-aircraft operations and cross-deck exercises.
Professional exchanges and cultural outreach programs in Bahrain deepened ties with local naval forces. At Iran’s Bandar Abbas, joint drills demonstrated India’s balanced diplomacy in a sensitive region, complementing its involvement in the Chabahar port project.
These activities are closely linked to India’s economic imperatives. Approximately 60% of India’s oil and gas imports come from the Gulf, making the region vital for energy security. The Navy’s presence ensures the safety of critical shipping lanes in the Persian Gulf and strengthens economic ties, including those under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE.
Soft Power and Humanitarian Efforts
Beyond military engagements, the Navy’s missions included cultural diplomacy and humanitarian initiatives. During the devastating 2023 earthquake in Turkey and Syria, India provided critical aid, reinforcing goodwill. Naval visits also featured community events and cultural exchanges, enhancing bilateral relations.
India’s Role as a Stabilising Force
With its expanding maritime footprint, India positions itself as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region and a stabilising force in West Asia. These deployments reflect New Delhi’s intent to secure its economic interests while fostering regional stability. As geopolitical tensions rise, the Indian Navy’s dual-front strategy emphasises its growing role in global maritime security.
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