New Delhi – In a year marked by heightened maritime security concerns, the Indian Navy has significantly ramped up its presence in the Western Arabian Sea, deploying over 30 ships to address more than 25 incidents, according to the Ministry of Defence’s Year Ender Review for 2024. This strategic deployment underscores India’s commitment to maritime security and the safety of international shipping lanes in the region.
The operations, which included responses to Houthi shipping attacks and piracy, have been instrumental in saving over 400 lives and ensuring the safety of more than 230 merchant vessels. These efforts have safeguarded over 90 lakh metric tonnes of cargo valued at more than four billion USD since November 2024.
Operational Highlights:
- Rescue and Security: The Indian Navy’s swift actions have been critical in maritime security, especially in areas like the Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, and the broader Arabian Sea, where the Navy has maintained a continuous presence.
- Anti-Piracy Measures: The Navy has been actively involved in anti-piracy operations, particularly in the Gulf of Aden, where it has deployed 127 ships since 2008, and more recently in the Gulf of Guinea since 2022.
- Anti-Narcotics: Alongside security operations, the Navy has conducted 13 anti-narcotics operations, seizing drugs worth approximately Rs 35,000 crore in the last three years, with significant hauls noted in February 2024.
The Ministry of Defence emphasized that these deployments align with India’s vision of ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)’, aimed at enhancing maritime domain awareness, ensuring security, and providing humanitarian assistance. The Indian Navy has also participated in several multinational naval exercises, including Exercise Malabar with Australia, Japan, and the US, RIMPAC at Pearl Harbour, and Exercise Varuna in the Mediterranean Sea, strengthening international naval partnerships.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the Navy’s efforts, stating, “Our Navy’s proactive stance and operational readiness have not only protected our maritime interests but also contributed significantly to regional peace and stability.”
The Indian Navy’s actions have been pivotal in a time when the Western Arabian Sea has seen increased security threats due to geopolitical tensions. The Navy’s role in escorting merchant vessels and responding to distress calls has been crucial in maintaining the flow of international trade, especially in a region that is a vital artery for global commerce.
This deployment and the Navy’s response to incidents reflect India’s strategic maritime policy of enhancing its role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region, ensuring safe passage and deterring threats to maritime traffic.