India Observers

  The Indian Navy is set to induct INS Androth , its second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) , at Visakhapatnam . Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) , the vessel enhances India’s coastal defense and anti-submarine capabilities. INS Androth is equipped with advanced sonar, torpedo launchers, and modern navigation systems , designed for operations in coastal waters and island territories. Its induction marks another step in strengthening the Navy’s indigenous shipbuilding program under ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ . Once commissioned, the ship will join its sister vessel, INS Arnala , boosting the Navy’s ability to detect and neutralize underwater threats close to the Indian coastline.

  In a major boost to India’s underwater capabilities, the Indian Navy commissioned its first indigenous Diving Support Vessel (DSV), INS Nistar , at Visakhapatnam today. Built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited, the vessel marks a significant milestone in India’s push for self-reliance in defence under the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative. INS Nistar is designed to support submarine rescue operations, deep-sea diving, and underwater repairs. Equipped with state-of-the-art saturation diving systems, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and advanced sonar technology, the vessel enhances the Navy’s ability to undertake complex underwater missions. The induction of INS Nistar strengthens India's maritime readiness and highlights the growing prowess of its indigenous shipbuilding industry.

  The  Indian Navy  intercepted a dhow in the Western Arabian Sea on April 13, resulting in the seizure of 940 kg of contraband. The operation, supported by the Canadian-led Combined Task Force 150, INS Talwar, conducted its first narcotics interdiction since joining the Combined Maritime Force (CMF). The  Indian Navy’s commitment  to addressing unlawful activities at sea and ensuring maritime security is evident in this operation. Since joining the CMF in November, the Indian Navy has demonstrated its maritime law enforcement expertise, securing 453 kg of methamphetamines, 416 kg of hash, and 71 kg of heroin. The operation highlights the Indian Navy’s commitment to maritime security and upholding international rules-based order.

  The Indian Navy’s INS Sumitra has successfully carried out two operations against pirates in the Arabian Sea, rescuing 19 Pakistani crew members and two fishing vessels from Somali pirates. The first operation involved the rescue of the  Iranian fishing vessel , Iman, which had 17 crew members, and the boat. The Navy then stopped another Iranian fishing vessel that Somali pirates had boarded, freeing the crew and vessel. These rescues are crucial as they prevent pirates from using these vessels for attacks on merchant ships. The Indian Navy’s INS Visakhapatnam has also assisted in rescuing a commercial oil tanker with 22 Indian crew members, which was hit by a missile in the  Gulf of Aden . The Navy has also rescued an American cargo ship. In January, the Indian Navy stopped pirates from hijacking a Liberian-flagged vessel, MV Lila Norfolk, in the North Arabian Sea and saved all its crew members. Another incident involved the Liberian-flagged vessel MV Chem Pluto, with ...

  The  Indian Navy’s  warship INS Sumitra has successfully rescued an Iranian fishing vessel hijacked by pirates in the Arabian Sea near Somalia. The vessel, Iman, was taken hostage by the pirates. The Indian Navy responded quickly, locating the hijacked vessel and ensuring the crew and boat were released safely. The vessel was then checked thoroughly before continuing its journey. In the Gulf of Aden, the Indian Navy’s  INS Visakhapatnam  responded to a distress call from the Marlin Luanda, a British oil tanker carrying Russian oil. Despite China’s naval base nearby, the Indian Navy responded promptly, extinguishing the fire on the merchant ship. INS Sumitra  and INS Visakhapatnam are crucial warships of the Indian Navy, serving as offshore patrol officers and guided-missile destroyers. They play crucial roles in protecting India’s maritime interests and ensuring safety on the high seas. This successful operation demonstrates the Indian Navy’s ability to m...