NEW DELHI: India has now deployed over 10 frontline warships with marine commandos in the region stretching from north and central Arabian Sea to the Gulf of Aden, further stepping-up its naval presence to show the flag and deter piracy and drone strikes.
This unprecedented "enhanced maritime security operations" are being conducted independently by India, which has refrained from joining the US-led multinational 'Operation Prosperity Guardian' launched in the Red Sea in December after attacks on civilian as well as military ships by Houthi rebels of Yemen.
With escalating piracy and drone attacks on commercial vessels threatening critical sea lanes of communications, which has already led to a major jump in freight rates, Indian Navy is maintaining a "persistent presence" in the Arabian Sea, senior officers told TOI.
"Indian warships are deployed all over the region to enhance surveillance and deterrence against the twin threats from pirates and drone strikes. The aim is to help stabilise the situation in the Arabian Sea and promote net maritime security," an officer said.
Regular ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) missions are being flown by P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft and unarmed MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones, both of which are capable of providing 'live feeds' of high-resolution imagery with their electro-optic & advanced sensors, from the west coast.
The warships deployed include guided-missile destroyers like INS Kolkata, INS Kochi, INS Chennai and INS Mormugao as well as multi-role frigates like INS Talwar and INS Tarkash. The Navy and Coast Guard are also closely coordinating the enhanced surveillance of the country's Exclusive Economic Zone.
It was the 7,500-tonne INS Chennai and its commandos, backed by P-8I aircraft, which thwarted the attempted hijack of a Liberia-flagged merchant vessel MV Lila Norfolk and rescued the 21-member crew in Arabian Sea on January 5.
The Indian Navy also dismissed as a "misconception" that its warships are not geared against drone attacks. "They have a variety of guns, short and medium-range air defence missiles as well as some jammers that can be used if a situation warrants," he added.
While the Indian Navy may not be part of 'Operation Prosperity Guardian', there is "continuous sharing of information & coordination" with all navies of "friendly foreign countries", including US, UK and France, to bolster maritime security and domain awareness.
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