Indian Coast Guard was formally inaugurated on 18 August 1978 as an independent armed force of the union with the enactment of the Coast Guard Act 1978 by the Parliament. However an interim Coast Guard Organization came into being on 01 February 1977. The motto of Indian Coast Guard is `VAYAM RAKSHAMAH -which means `WE PROTECT’.

Indian Coast Guard celebrated 35th anniversary on 01 February 2012. The press release issued by Ministry of Defence on this occasion is reproduced below.

The Coast Guard in its present shape was The Indian Coast Guard – ‘Focused on Maritime Safety and Security’

The Indian Coast Guard is celebrating its 35th anniversary tomorrow. Since its inception, the service has grown into a multi-faceted and vibrant force, maintaining ‘round the clock’ vigil in the Maritime Zones of India, by deploying its multi-role ships and aircraft.

Beginning with a modest inventory of two ex-naval frigates, the service today boasts of a force-level of 68 ships and 52 aircraft. During the past year, one ship, four interceptor boats, four Dornier aircraft and two Chetak helicopters have been commissioned into service, in addition to the establishment of six CG Stations and two Air Enclaves.

The Indian Coast Guard today, is on a path of rapid expansion, as a large number of state-of-art ships, boats and aircraft are under-construction at various shipyards/PSUs. The service is expected to attain a force-level of 77 surface platforms and 56 aircraft by end 2012. The Coast Guard will also have 42 CG Stations, four Air Stations and 11 Air Enclaves functioning all along the coast, by the end of 2012.

On the manpower front, the service has initiated several measures to augment its manpower viz. introduction of short service appointment for women officers and CPL holders, increase in number of recruitment centres, departmental promotions of outstanding Subordinate Officers and conduct of special recruitment drives.

As far as CG operations are concerned, an average of 18 ships and five aircraft are tasked daily, to keep the vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and coastline under constant surveillance. Further, the establishment of Coastal Surveillance Network (CSN) is being progressed to boost the surveillance capabilities along the coastline. 46 CSN Stations are being set-up under Phase-I of the project.

Coastal Security has been on the fore-front of CG operations for the past few years. Today, Coast Guard stations and coastal marine police stations are functioning as ‘Hub and Spoke’ for information outflow. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for coastal security of all the coastal States / Union Territories have been promulgated by the Indian Coast Guard. Synergy amongst various stake-holders is achieved by conduct of regular exercises and operations, and subsequent review of the SOPs. 17 such exercises and 19 operations have been conducted during the last one year.

The service has also formed a bond with fishermen, by conducting regular community interaction programmes, so that they act as ‘eyes and ears’ for coastal security. About 400 such community interaction programs have been conducted since Jan 2011. Provisioning of biometric identity cards for fishermen and uniform registration of fishing boats for precise identification at sea, is under progress.

Search and Rescue operations within the Indian Search and Rescue Region are undertaken by the Indian Coast Guard. Professional and dedicated efforts of the service have resulted in saving of 415 lives last year. A Search and Rescue exercise was also conducted off Mumbai on 14 Jan 12, in which international observers from seven countries participated.

The Indian Coast Guard has carved a niche for itself at the international level and is today recognised as a leading Coast Guard in the region. Institutionalized visits as per Memorandum of Cooperation/Understanding with Japan Coast Guard and Korea Coast Guard are being conducted regularly. On 29 Jan 12, a combined Indo-Japan Coast Guard exercise was conducted off Chennai. The Indian Coast Guard, also hosted a Capacity Building Workshop with ReCAAP (Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia) in Nov last year, at Goa. In addition, a bi-annual Joint exercise ‘Dosti’ is also conducted with the Maldives National Defence Force.

The Indian Coast Guard has evolved into a mature and highly capable maritime force with state-of-the-art ships, boats and aircraft. The theme of the Indian Coast Guard for the year 2012 is ‘Focused on Maritime Safety and Security’, which aptly reflects the commitment and resolve of the service, and is in tune with its motto ‘Vayam Rakshamah’ meaning ‘We Protect’.

HH/NN
(Release ID :79986)

Update:

Here are some photographs on Coast Guard Day celebrations from Press Information Bureau.

The Defence Minister, Shri A. K. Antony attended the Coast Guard Day celebrations at Coast Guard Headquarters in New Delhi on 01 February 2012. The Director General, Indian Coast Guard, Vice Admiral MP Muralidharan is also seen.

Indian Coast Guard decommissioned Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPVs) ICGS Ranijindan, ICGS Habbah Khatun and ICGS Avvaiyyar at Chennai on 06 January 2012. ICGS Ramadevi and ICGS Chandbibi were also decommissioned at Visakhapatnam on 19 January 2012. ICGS Jijabai and ICGS Kittur Chennamma were decommissioned on 27 June 2011. All these IPVs have completed more than 25 years of service.

The old IPVs already phased out/being phased out are: Jijabai (64), Chandbibi (65), Kittur Chennamma (66), Ranijindan (67), Habbah Khatun (68), Ramadevi (69), Avvaiyar (70), Tarabai (71), Ahalyabai (72), Lakshmi Bai (73), Naiki Devi (74), Ganga Devi (75), Akka Devi (76).

Now new IPVs for Indian Coast Guard are being built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam. The construction details are:

• Phase 1: Five vessels with contractual delivery period as March 2008 to March 2009 (now revised as August 2011 to July 2012).
  • Yard No 1154: Launched on 28 May 2009 and now commissioned on 20 January 2012 as Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Rani Abbakka (77). The ship is named after ‘Abbakka Mahadevi’ the queen of Tulunadu of Karnataka who fought the Portuguese in the 16th century. She is considered as the ‘First Woman Freedom Fighter of India’. ICGS Rani Abbakka is based at Chennai under Administrative and Operational control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (East).
  • Yard No 1155: Launched on 04 November 2009.
  • Yard No 1156: Launched on 15 May 2010 and named as ‘Rani Durgavati’ (79).
  • Yard No 1157: Launched on 06 November 2010 and named as ‘Rani Gaidinliu’.
  • Yard No 1158: Launched on 15 July 2011 and named as ‘Rani Rashmoni’.
• Phase 2: Eight more IPVs are also going to be built by HSL (Yard No 11165 to 11172) with contractual delivery period as August 2013 to May 2015.

The Rani Abbaka class, 50 M, 275 tons IPVs 

• are designed and built indigenously by M/s HSL.
• are built with light steel hull and have water jet propulsion system.
• are 51.5 metres long, 8.36 metres wide and have a draught of 4.55 metres.
• have most advanced navigational and communication sensors and equipment with Integrated Bridge System (IBS), Integrated Machinery Control System (IMCS) and an indigenously built Gun Mount with Fire Control System.
• have economical speed of 14 Knots, maximum speed of 31.5 knots with an endurance of 1500 nautical miles.
• are designed to carry one Rigid Inflatable Boat and two Geminis for Search and Rescue, Law Enforcement and Maritime Patrol.

Above ICGS Rani Abbakka photographs are from Indian Coast Guard website.

Here is the reproduction of Year End Review 2011 of Shipping released by the Ministry of Shipping, India (Released through Press Information Bureau, Release ID: 79210 dated 26 December 2011).

Maritime Agenda 2010-20 Launched
Fund Requirement for Shipping Sector Projected Rs. 90,519 Crore in 12th Plan
India Sri Lanka Ferry Service Launched
Government Identifies 23 Projects to Increase Ports Capacity by 236.63 MTPA

Year End Review

1. Maritime Agenda for the decade 2010-2020:

The Ministry of Shipping has launched Maritime Agenda 2010-20 in January, 2011. The Agenda is a perspective plan of the Ministry for this decade and gives a visit and road map for comprehensive development of the maritime sector. The overall vision of the Ministry as per the Maritime agenda aims towards navigating and steering the Indian Maritime sector realistically into the premier maritime nations of the world. This document basically presents an agenda in the Shipping Sector for consideration within overall objective to increase efficiency of the delivery system and overall pace of growth in the sector. Indeed, this is a path breaking document which will serve as road map for all ports (major as well as non-major ports) and the shipping sector during the decade 2010-2020

2. 12th Five Year Plan (2012-2017):

The Planning Commission constituted a Working Group on Shipping & Inland Water Transport for the formulation of Twelfth Five Year Plan 2012-17 under the Chairmanship of Secretary (Shipping). The Working Group in its report submitted to the Planning Commission has recommended the fund requirement of Rs.90,519 crores for the Shipping sector which includes Rs.10,499.00 crores as GBS, Rs.2340.00 crores State Govt. Funding and Rs. 77,680 as private investment/IEBR as per details given below:

(Rs. In crores)

Sr. No.	Major Head of Expenditure	GBS	State Govts.	Private Investment/ IEBR	Total
1	Ship Acquisition	-	-	60,000	60,000
2	Restructuring of the Regulatory Regime	546	-	-	546
3	DG (Shipping)	150	-	-	150
4	IMU	1,280	-	-	1,280
5	Training & Welfare	828	-	-	828
6	Seafarers Safety	30	-	-	30
7	Coastal Shipping	2,835	1,200	12,360	16,395
8	Multimodal Transport	-	-	-	-
9	Lighthouses & Lightships	790	-	-	790
10	IWT	4,040	1,140	5,320	10,500
	Total	10,499	2,340	77,680	90,519

3. Shipping Corporation of India:

The Shipping Corporation of India Ltd. (SCI), a Navratna company is the largest shipping company in India, owns a fleet of 81 vessels of 33 lakhs gross tonnage (GT) i.e. 58 lakhs DWT with a share of nearly 1/3rd of the total Indian tonnage. During the 11th Plan SCI proposed to acquire 62 vessels at a cost of approximately Rs.13,000 crores out of which they have taken delivery of 26 vessels so far. Out of the 62 vessels proposed for acquisition during the 11th Plan, they have placed orders for construction of 36 vessels with different shipyards and have acquired 3 Resale vessels. Except for the last two years (i.e. 2009-10 and 2010-11) when SCI’s profit was affected due to the global economic crisis, the SCI has been making profit of over Rs.800 crores for each of the previous 5 years i.e. from 2004-05 to 2008-09. SCI declared a profit of Rs.567.35 crores for the year (2010-11) ended March, 2011 and declared a final dividend of 25% on the paid up share capital in addition to the interim dividend of 30% paid during financial year 2010-11.

4. Cochin Shipyard Limited:

Year at a Glance:

2011-12 (April- November, 2011)

Delivered 3 Platform Supply Vessels.

Launched 2 Anchor Handling Tug Supply Vessels for Shipping Corporation of India on 19th July 2011.

500 T SWL Bollard Pull Testing Facility set up by Cochin Shipyard at Vizhinjam was dedicated to the Nation on 23 September 2011.

Financial Performance of CSL:

Cochin Shipyard continued its stellar performance for the fifth year in a row. The turnover for the year 2010-11 was Rs.1461.72 Crores as compared to Rs.1416.92 Crores in the last year. The net profit for the year 2010-11 was Rs.227.53 Crores as compared to Rs.223.04 Crores for the last year. This performance is creditable especially in the light of the withdrawal of government subsidy to shipbuilding since August 2007.

5. Central Inland Water Transport Corporation (CIWTC):

The principal activity of the Corporation is transportation of cargo by barges through Inland Waterways in the country and through the routes identified in the Protocol on Inland Water Transport between India and Bangladesh.

The Corporation also operates and maintains the biggest IWT terminals in the country i.e. T. T. Sheds at Kolkata apart from the terminals at Karimganj and Badarpur in Assam.

6. Major Achievements of CIWTC During The Year 2011 – 12:

During this year, agreements with regard to 11 (eleven) vessels of the Corporation for Bare Boat charter hire for 5 (five) years (+ extendable by 5 years) period have been signed. One number Oil Tanker – M.T. Naharkatia put on bare boat charter and the agreement would be signed shortly.

7. Directorate General of Lighthouses & Lightships:

Following schemes in the financial year 2011-2012 are under implementation:-

Establishment of Vessel Traffic Service in Gulf of Kachchh at a cost of Rs. 165 Crore. Establishment of National AIS Network (Rs.75.20 crore).

Automation of Lighthouses in Cochin, Chennai, Vishakhapatnam & Kolkata Lh Distt. (Rs.30.45 Crore).

Automation of Lighthouses in Port Blair Lighthouse district.

(Rs.6.52 crore).

Establishment of new Lighthouses at Chilka (Orissa Coast),

Rava (Andhra Coast), Barua (Andhra Coast), Maipura

(Orissa Coast), Markanam.

Establishment of five lighted beacons in A&N Islands.

Presently Directorate General holds inventory of 185 General Lighthouses, 1 Lightship, 23 Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS), 64 Radar Beacons (Racons), 21 Deep Sea Lighted Buoys & 2 Wreck Marking Buoys.

8. Inland Water Transport:

The development and maintenance of National waterways (NWs)1,2, & 3 (the Ganga, the Brahmaputra and the West Coast Canal) by providing/ upgrading/ maintaining Inland Water Transport (IWT) infrastructure namely fairway, navigational aids and terminals were continued by Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI).

An important highlight of 2011-12 was selection of a private agency for developing infrastructure and transportation of 3 million tonne per year of imported coal from Sagar/ Sandheads to Farakka power plant of NTPC Ltd through inland waterways for a period of 7 years and signing of Tripartite Agreement among IWAI, NTPC Ltd and Jindal ITF Ltd in August 2011 thereof. Success of this project may pave way for many other such projects which could revive the IWT sector on Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers.

Another significant activity was transportation of project cargo by inland waterways (through Bangladesh) for ONGC’s Palatana powerplant in Tripura which became possible due to declaration of Ashuganj as a new port of call under Indo-Bangladesh Protocol on inland water transit trade.

The proposal to use an alternative route bypassing Core Area of Sunderbans Tiger Reserve. This route has been made operational w.e.f 1st June, 2011, within a short span of 5 months. Besides helping in the preservation of the flora and fauna of the unique biosphere reserve of the Sunderbans, it will prevent poaching; illegal infiltration and facilitate enhanced vigil on Indo-Bangladesh border by Border Security Force.

Ro-Ro terminals at Wilingdon island and Bolghatty in Cochin Port Trust area to provide connectivity between NW-3 and International Container Transhipment Terminal, Vallarpadam commissioned in February, 2011. On an average, about 250 containers (TEUs) are being moved per day through this facility

In order to ensure safety of navigation in NW-1 & NW-2, DGPS stations are already established in Bhagalpur in NW-1 and Jogighopa in NW-2. New stations are being commissioned at Swaroopganj and Patna in NW-1 and Silghat and Dibrugarh in NW-2 shortly.

Under Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project in Myanmar, construction of Sittwe port is in progress through an Indian contractor (M/s Essar Projects (I) Pvt Ltd). The IWT and Port components are targeted to be completed by June, 2013.

9. India Sri Lanka Ferry Service:

Pursuant to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between India and Sri Lanka on 07 Janaury, 2011 in Colombo for commencement of passenger transportation by sea between the two countries, passenger ferry service between Tuticorin and Colombo has been started w.e.f. 13.06.2011.

10. Port Sector:

Government has identified 23 projects for award during to increase the capacity of ports by 236.63 MTPA (Million Tons per annum) with an estimated investment of Rs. 16,743.92 Crores under PPP mode.

A project for development of 4th Container Terminal on BOT basis was awarded to M/s PSA Mumbai Investment Pvt. Ltd. on 26th September, 2011.

A draft report of Working Group for Port Sector for the Twelfth Five Year Plan (2012-17) was sent to the Planning Commission on 3rd November, 2011 for consideration and approval.

Regarding Rail-road connectivity to Ports: The work of 18.3 Kms four-lane Elevated Expressway from Chennai Por4t to Maduravoyal on National Highway 4 is in progress. The work of Chennai-Ennore Port Road Connectivity of 29.3 Kms has been started in June, 2011. The work of 4-laning of Tuticorin-Madurai Road (NH-45B) with road length of 144 Kms has been completed. The 2-lane Port Connectivity to ICTT, Vallarpadam, Cochin has been completed and work of 4-lane connectivity is on near completion.

The work of Haridaspur-Paradip new railway line is in progress and likely to be completed by march, 2015. For Mormugao Port, doubling of Hospect-Vsasco Section rail-line, work is likely to be started.

11. India Maritime 2012:

In line with the fast pace development of Indian maritime sector and further developments required by Indian Ports for handling future cargo traffic, the Ministry of Shipping and Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry(FICCI) jointly propose to conduct a mega event for the first time in the port sector titled “India Maritime-2012” during 17-20 October, 2012 at Goa. This event will provide a platform to shipping lines and organizations involved in the port infrastructure and management, cargo handling, ship builders and manufacturers, ancillary suppliers and other related service providers to showcase their capabilities.

12. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for Major Ports:

Taking into account the economic, social and environmental impact of activities of the Major Ports on the society and the environment, 12 major ports in the country have been directed to create a mandatory CSR budget setting apart a certain part of their net profit every year towards activities mentioned in possible areas as at Annexure.

13. Multi User Liquid Terminal (MULT) project at Cochin Port Trust:

The Cochin Port Trust handles general, dry bulk cargo, fertilizers and oil cargo. The Ernakulam Wharf have 5 berths(Q5,Q6,Q7,Q8 & Q9) handling general and dry bulk cargo, Q10 handles fertilizers and three oil berths viz. Cochin Oil Terminal(COT), Non Tanker Berth(NTB) and South Tanker Berth(STB). Crude oil is being handled at the Single Point Mooring (SPM) facility provided by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd.(BPCL)-Kochi Refineries(KR) and at Cochin Oil Terminal(COT). Petroleum Oil and Lubricants(POL) products are presently handled at COT Non Tanker Berth(NTB) and South Tanker Berth(STB). To avail deep water facilities, the Port is presently developing new facilities at Vallarpadam and Puthuvypeen area which have been declared as Port based Special Economic Zones(SEZ). The facilities which are recently developed/being developed include i) development of International Container Transshipment Terminal(ICTT) at Vallarpadam SEZ, (ii) development of Tank Farms at Puthuvypeen SEZ area for storage of crude oil received at the SPM and (iii) development of captive Liquefied Natural Gas Port and Regasification Terminal by M/s Petronet LNG Limited. In order to cater to these developmental plans, a Multi User Liquid Terminal(MULT) project at Cochin Port is under consideration.

Annexure

POSSIBLE AREAS OF ACTIVITIES UNDER CSR

(THE LIST IS INDICATIVE AND NOT EXHAUSTIVE)

(i) Drinking Water Facility.

(ii) Education.

(iii) Electricity Facility.

(iv) Solar Lighting System.

(v) Health and Family Welfare.

(vi) Irrigation Facilities.

(vii) Sanitation and Public Health.

(viii) Pollution Control Measures.

(ix) Animal Care.

(x) Promotion of Sports and Games including promotion of marinas.

(xi) Promotion of Art and Culture.

Environment Friendly technologies

Promotion of livelihood for economically weaker sections through forward and backward linkages.

Relief to victims of Natural Calamities like earthquake, cyclone, drought & flood situation in any part of the country.

Supplementing Development Programmes of the Government.

Non-conventional energy sources.

Construction of Community Centres/Night Shelters/Old Age Homes.

Imparting Vocational Training.

Setting up of skill development centres.

Adoption of Villages.

Taking action on points suggested by Ministry of Forest and Environment pertaining to Charter of Corporate Responsibility for Environment Protection for 17 categories of Industries.

Scholarships to meritorious students belonging to SC, ST, OBC and disabled categories.

Adoption/Construction of Hostels (especially those for SC/ST and girls).

Skill training, entrepreneurship development and placement assistance programmes for youth.

Building of Roads, Pathways and Bridges.

Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP).

Disaster Management Activities including those related to amelioration/mitigation.

Activities related to the preservation of Environment/Ecology and to sustainable Development.

MG/AS

(Release ID :79210)

Russian K-84 Yekaterinburg Nuclear Submarine in Dry Dock caught fire during repairs at a shipyard in the northwest Russian Murmansk Region on 29 December 2011. Fire was successfully contained without any loss of life and without any radiation leak. The K-84 Yekaterinburg nuclear submarine is one of seven Delta-IV class submarines, deployed in the Northern Fleet.

It is reported that wooden scaffolding around the submarine caught fire during repairs. As the anechoic rubber coating (a stealth feature to absorb sound from sonars) on the outer hull of the Yekaterinburg Delta-class nuclear submarine can also burn in dry environment, it must have taken considerable time to contain fire.

Read more

• from RIA Novosti: Russian nuclear sub fire put out.
• from RUS Navy: about Russian K-84 Yekaterinburg Nuclear Submarine.

Chennai is getting ready to face the very severe cyclonic storm ‘THANE’. Last year Chennai faced a similar severe cyclonic storm ‘Jal’ in November 2010.

Cyclonic storm ‘Thane’ formed over southwest Bay of Bengal has moved west-southwestward and lay centered near latitude 12.0⁰N and longitude 82.5⁰E, at 0830 hrs IST on 29 December 2011. The cyclone is about 270 km east of Puducherry, 250 km east-southeast of Chennai (Tamil Nadu).

The cyclonic storm ‘Thane’ is likely to move westwards and cross north Tamil Nadu coast between Nagapattinam and Chennai, around early morning of 30 December 2011.

Maximum impact of the cyclonic storm is expected to be felt near Puducherry.

Updates on cyclonic storm can be found out from Android mobile smartphone also, by installing free ‘Weather Underground’ application.

For more details, log on to

• Cyclone Warning For Indian Coast by IMD (India Meteorological Department)
• Weather Underground

Update: 30 December 2011

As predicted, Cyclone Thane caused extensive damage to Puducherry.

Read more from The Times of India: Cyclone Thane makes landfall between Cuddalore and Puducherry, devastates area

Here is the weather map from Weather Underground

National Maritime Foundation (NMF), Chennai Chapter in association with the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies, University of Madras (UNOM) and the Observers Research Foundation (ORF), Chennai Chapter conducted a Round Table discussion on “National Objectives – STRategic Imperatives of the Far East (NO STRIFE) at Chennai on December 09, 2011. Round Table discussions commenced at 1015 hours and concluded at 1315 hours.

Presently, China is the only Asian power to have a permanent seat in the UNSC (United Nations Security Council). India has bright chances to become a permanent member in UNSC. If India has to be a global player, India has to look towards ‘East’ also. India has to maintain friendly relations and remain as a trusted partner of the East Asian countries. Cooperation is needed in Political, Security, Economic, Socio-Cultural areas.

Here are some important East, South East, Far East nations for India: China, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, (North) Korea, (South) Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam.

Asian and South Asian countries have their own associations. The associations and Indian links with these associations are

• ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations – founded in 1967) member states: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam. India became a dialogue partner of ASEAN in 1992. Regular ASEAN-India Summits are being held annually from 2002.
• ARF (ASEAN Regional Forum – established in 1994): Participants in the ARF are – Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Canada, China, European Union, India, Indonesia, Japan, Democratic Peoples’ Republic of Korea, Republic of Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Mongolia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Russian Federation, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor Leste, United States, and Vietnam.
• SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation – founded in 1985) member states: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka.
• BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation – founded in 1997): BIMSTEC is a link between ASEAN and SARRC. The member nations are – Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
• EAS (East Asia Summit) – First summit was held in 2005. Members are: Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, United States and Vietnam.

In addition, India has Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP).

India’s ‘Look East Policy’ came into existence in early 1990s. This policy needs to be fine tuned. NMF believes that while land borders divide the nations, oceans provide seamless connectivity to the nations. Hence, this ‘NO STRIFE’ Round Table discussions are significant.

Some interesting features of this Round Table discussion are:

• Context setting: by Commodore S Shekhar, Regional Director, Chennai Chapter, NMF.
• Opening Address: by Dr Gopalji Malviya, Head of Department, Defence and Strategic Studies, UNOM. 
• Inaugural Address: by Inspector General S P Sharma, Commander Coast Guard Region (East).
• Presentations by
  • Mr Ajit Singh, Consul General of Singapore.
  • Mr Matt Beh, Political Consul, US Consulate.
  • Mr N Sathiya Moorthy, Director, ORF.
  • Dr Utham Kumar Jamadagni, Defence and Strategic Studies, UNOM.
• The presentations were followed by Open House discussions.

I. Commodore S Shekhar of NMF

a. He set the context for the discussions as

• India’s positioning in the world stage.
• India’s expectations/possible sectors of interest: strategic, diplomatic, economic, technological, knowledge management.
• The ‘Far East’ in India’s calculus.
• The interests of other ‘stake holders’.
• The ‘NO STRIFE’ Road Map.

b. He expected from the discussions

• Clear understanding of issues involved.
• Identifying areas of potential ‘conflict’.
• Possible solutions for evolving a ‘No Strife’ approach.
• Road Map for implementing the possible solutions.

c. He also briefed about ‘Conflict’

• Conflict is a chain reaction of: Agreement – Difference – Disagreement – Violent Disagreement – Open Hostilities.
• Conflict arises from disagreements due to inconsistent: objectives, thoughts or emotions. 
• Conflict is within or among individuals, teams, departments, organisations, society at large, nations.
• Conflict can be one of value, attitude, behaviour, resource.
• Conflict exists when someone does not get what he expects or when he gets what he does not expect.
• Resolving conflict
  • Those whose needs are unmet ‘own’ the problem.
  • It is the ‘owner’ who must find the ‘solution’.
  • During the process of ‘resolution’, ‘ownership’ could change hands.
• Conflict Resolution: After individually assessing the situation, appropriate solution has to be determined by respecting rights of others without compromising own needs.

II. Summary of Round Table Discussions

a. Strategy

• There is lot of difference between ‘India of 1960s’ and ‘India of 2011’ in terms of economy, technology, military, space, human resources etc.,
• 21 century is viewed globally as ‘Asia’s century’ and India has a significant role to play.
• India’s ‘Look East Policy’ must be more constructive, objective, holistic and diplomatic with political realism and assertiveness to deal with relations.
• India’s ‘rashtriya dharma’ (national interests) must always be above ‘coalition dharma’ in formulating foreign policy.
• All actors in the East Asia region are important irrespective of their capability, size, intentions.
• There is competition between players like China, Japan, U.S, India to occupy strategic space in the East Asia region.
• Does India have the capacity, capability to reach and sustain in the East Asian region ?
• To understand better, one must look Sri Lankan issues with ‘Sri Lankan Eyes’ and similarly look into China issues with ‘Chinese Eyes’.
• Is India too much China-centric or too much pre-occupied with China in approaching East Asian regional issues instead of looking beyond ?

b. Diplomacy

• Diplomacy plays a major role to resolve conflicts between the nations.
• Diplomacy has played a major role to convince Australia to sell uranium to India.
• Diplomacy has succeeded in Vietnam through Mekong – Ganga Cooperation.
• China needs to be taken more as an ‘opportunity’ than to see as a ‘challenge’.
• India’s diplomacy has been mostly proactive and absorptive. Now it is becoming assertive.
• India lacks the following in diplomacy:
  • India is still hesitating to recognise Taiwan and North Korea. This is to please whom ?
  • In controlling the Chinese presence in Sri Lanka.
  • In controlling the Chinese presence in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).
  • Diplomacy can not be effective with insufficient manpower in foreign missions.
• If diplomats in foreign missions have to be productive,
  • They must know the local language.
  • They must be well-informed about the country and socio-cultural background.
• Archival details of the nation must be available in public domain, for the researchers and scholars to study the past. This helps to plan future course of action without repeating the past mistakes.
• A country can reduce defence expenditure by having more diplomats. Same time diplomacy without arms is like playing music without instruments. So, correct balancing is required.
• We need to learn a lot from China’s diplomacy.

c. Economy

• India’s potential in the South East Asian region in terms of economy and trade is much more than what is being estimated.
• Is there a fast-track platform to address the issues related to FTAs signed by India with East Asian countries ?

d. Security

• ASEAN views India as a credible, trusted regional power.
• Nations in the eastern region must encourage collaboration rather than confrontation, while attempting to achieve their respective national interests.
• External players (U.S, China, Japan, India and Russia) continue to show their interest in East Asia and South East Asia.
• Islamic fundamentalism, sea piracy are the areas of concern in the South East Asia region.
• Korean Peninsula, South China Sea, Taiwan Strait remain as flash points for conflicts. Code of Conduct is being evolved to reduce conflicts and to create ‘no strife’ environment.
• China’s presence in South East Asia and the Indian Ocean is increasing but China has to remain as a peaceful player.
• U.S interests in the East Asia region largely relates to Maritime Security, Non-Proliferation, Disaster Response and Humanitarian Assistance.
• ADMM Plus (ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting) is being viewed by the U.S as an innovative mechanism to strengthen regional security and China too considers it as a platform to build mutual trust and cooperation. India is merely participating without initiating anything in this forum. 
• As far as India is concerned, China remains as a potential threat either short term or long term; it may not be a imminent threat or immediate threat.

e. Technology and Knowledge Management

• Print and electronic media play a major role in nation building. But the media does not cover the good work done by the governments in the front page.
• India’s 54 percent youth population is nowhere comparable with other countries.

Thanks to NMF, UNOM and ORF for organising this Round Table discussions.

Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP or KNPP) located in Kudankulam of Tamil Nadu State is in the final stage of completion. The project cost to India in 2001 was estimated as US$ 3.5 billion. Now regular protests are going on to scrap KKNPP.

The present status of KKNPP are:

• Unit No 1 of 1000 MWe capacity has achieved 99.2 % of physical progress as on September 2011 and is expected to commence commercial operation in December 2011 (schedule date of commercial operation December 2007).
• Unit No 2 of 1000 MWe capacity has achieved 94.6 % of physical progress as on September 2011 and is expected to commence commercial operation in August 2012 (schedule date of commercial operation December 2008).
• Surprisingly, anti-Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project protest has gained momentum and has gone to that extent of stopping work in the plant. The protesters have erected a roadblock in front of the plant site to prevent entry of scientists and workers into the plant. This is likely to delay the commercial operation of the plant.
• The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has constituted an Expert Group of 15 specialists to interact with the government of Tamil Nadu and spokespersons of the people around KKNPP in Tamil Nadu.

Some unanswered questions:

• Is it fair to ask this plant to stop work, when it is nearing completion with Crores of Indian taxpayers money ?
• If the reason for protest is against use of nuclear energy to generate electricity, where were these protestors when the Indo – U.S Nuclear deal was discussed in Indian Parliament ?
• Kudankulam Port was developed (became operational in 2004) by Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) to set up KKNPP. Surrounding areas around Kudankulam were also developed. The local people have benefitted from these developments. Now when the project is nearing completion, why these protests ? There are media reports saying that these protests are triggered by foreign agencies.

Here are the major reasons for the protest and comments to the protests are given in italics:

1. Fear of accident and subsequent loss of life and property: Accidents do happen in land (railways, roadways, industries etc.,), air (airways), sea (marine accidents/pollution). Whenever accidents take place, safety audits are done to stop such accidents in future. Just because of occurrence of accidents, people do not stop travelling in Train, Bus, Aircrafts, Ships etc., and industries are not discouraged to expand.
2. Safety around the plant during operation: This is not the first nuclear plant to be set up in India or in the coast of Tamil Nadu. Madras Atomic Power Station (MAPS) is located in coastal town of Kalpakkam and has safely operated during Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami in December 2004. Due to technological development, nuclear plant designs are being improved to minimise accidents. India has adequate expertise to address this issue.
3. Safety of the plant during earthquake and tsunami: Recent Fukushima nuclear disaster of March 2011 is being cited as an example to worry. The Fukushima plant is of 1970’s design and the magnitude of earthquake, occurrence of tsunami in Japan are not fully applicable to KKNPP. 
4. Loss of livelihood to fishermen: This is not the first nuclear plant to be set up in coastal area, now to worry about.

Here are the various clearances given by different agencies to develop KKNPP since 1983. What these protestors were doing, when these clearances were given ?

1. June & December 1983: Assurance on Pechipparai Water by Government of Tamil Nadu PWD.
2. September 1987 & February 1988: Clearance by Committee on Conservation of Seashore, Government of Tamilnadu, for location of Atomic Power Station at Kudankulam.
3. April 1989: 500 meters Shore line Clearance.
4. May 1989: Clearance from Ministry of Environment & Forest, Govt. of India.
5. July 1989: Clearance from Forest Department, Government of Tamil Nadu.
6. 1988-89: Environmental Committee Clearance by Environment & Forest Department, Government of Tamil Nadu State.
7. November 1989: AERB Clearance for Site Location.
8. October 2001: AERB Clearance for Site Excavation.
9. March 22, 2002: AERB Clearance for First Pour of Concreting of RAB.
10. April 09, 2002: AERB Clearance for First Pour of Concreting of RB.
11. June 15, 2004: AERB Clearance for Construction Beyond +17M Elevation for RB.
12. September 09, 2004: AERB – Civil Construction of Primary Containment of KKNPP-1&2.
13. March 10, 2005: AERB – Inspection report on grout efficiency of second mockup for Horizontal Tendon H-40.
14. August 30, 2006: AERB Clearance for Erection of Major Equipment.
15. September 23, 2006: AERB Permission to Start Grouting Operations for Horizontal tendons in IC Wall and Dome of IC for KKNPP-1&2.
16. June 22, 2007: AERB Clearance for Erection of Major Equipment for KKNPP-1&2.
17. June 30, 2011: AERB Clearance for Hot-Run of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Unit-1.

The KKNPP location in the coast of Tamil Nadu is very much safe and the fear psychosis of local people of Kudankulam has to be removed by creating awareness about the safety aspects of KKNPP to give up these protests.

Read more

• from Business Standard dated October 09, 2011: M R Srinivasan – Why Kudankulam nuke plant is viable ?
• from Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL): Safety of Nuclear Power Plants
• from Press Information Bureau dated October 20, 2011: Department of Atomic Energy Constitutes an Expert Group for Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project
• from Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) as pdf dated September 05, 2011: Report of High Level AERB Committee on Safety Review of Indian NPPs against External Events of Natural Origin

Durga Pooja 2011 celebrations concluded with the immersion of ‘Maa Durga’ in the Bay of Bengal at Palavakkam Beach, Chennai on the afternoon of 06 October 2011.

Here are some photographs:

Read more about Maa Durga from Wikipedia.

SLINEX 2011, the joint naval exercise between Sri Lanka Navy and Indian Navy commenced off Trincomalee on September 19, 2011 and concluded on September 23, 2011. This joint naval exercise signifies the goodwill, friendly relations and mutual co-operation that exist between India and Sri Lanka.

Some interesting features of SLINEX 2011 are:

• The 05 day exercise was conducted in four phases covering a Harbour Training Programme at Trincomalee and a Sea Training Programme in the seas off the Eastern coast of Sri Lanka to enhance interoperability between the two Navies.
• Indian Navy, under the command of Rear Admiral HCS Bisht, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF) was represented by a Destroyer (INS Ranvijay D 55), a Frigate (INS Shivalik F 47), a Missile Corvette INS Khanjar P 47), a Landing Ship Tank (INS Gharial L 23) and two Fast Attack Crafts along with a Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
• Sri Lanka Navy was represented by two Offshore Patrol Vessels, a Fast Missile Vessel, two Fast Gun Boats and six Fast Attack Crafts.
• The following activities were part of the exercise:
  • Seamanship maneuvers – Station Keeping By Distance Line (SKBDL) and Jackstay
  • Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO)
  • Visit Board Search and Seize (VBSS)
  • Search and Rescue (SAR) Operations
  • Close Range Anti-Air Firing (CRAA)
  • Replenishment at Sea (RAS)
  • Asymmetric Threat Exercise
  • Helo Ops
• Officers and men from the participating Indian Navy ships also visited the ‘Anbu Illam’ and ‘Sivananda Thapobanam’ orphanages in Trincomalee. They interacted with the children at these orphanages and offered community service by painting of dormitories/beds, plumbing work including handing over of two months supply of provisions, medicines and other essential commodities.

Here is a photograph from the website of Sri Lanka Navy.

For more details log on to MOD, Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka Navy.

A Roundtable Discussion on ‘Indian Ocean – Strategic Interests’ by Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and National Maritime Foundation (NMF) was held at Chennai on September 19, 2011.

The discussion was attended by academic community including college students, journalists, diplomats from U.S, Australia, Sri Lanka, serving and retired officers from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and the Merchant Navy.

Here I bring out some interesting information and discussions pertaining to Indian Ocean:

• If Indian Ocean can not be treated as India’s Ocean, the same logic applies to China as well (South China Sea can not be treated as China’s Sea).
• India Chairs the Indian Ocean Rim-Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC) for the years 2011 and 2012 along with Australia as the Vice Chair during this period.
• IOR-ARC has three working groups:
  • Working Group on Trade and Investment (WGTI)
  • Indian Ocean Rim Business Forum (IORBF)
  • Indian Ocean Rim Academic Group (IORAG)
• U.S interests
  • to ensure smooth flow of global energy supply and trade through safe Sea Lanes Of Communication (SLOC).
  • conduct regular naval exercises with India (like Exercise Malabar).
• Some of the Indian Ocean Littoral States (Australia, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Yemen)
  • are still under developed economies.
  • affected by human trafficking, drug trafficking, sea borne terrorism/piracy.
  • likely to be affected by climate change like rising sea level.
  • are facing conflict of interests in sharing marine resources like sea food, minerals etc.,
  • have territorial disputes, hostile attitude, lack of trust, misunderstanding etc.,.
• Indian Ocean Littoral States must
  • develop common areas of interest in ocean bed exploration, hydrographic survey, disaster management and information sharing, shipping, coastal infrastructure, fisheries, weather forecasting, education, tourism, agriculture etc.,
  • strengthen bilateral and multilateral relationship (between navies like ‘Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise – SIMBEX’, Sri Lanka -India joint naval exercise SLINEX)

An audio – visual presentation on ‘Indian Ocean – Strategic Interests’ was given by Commodore (Retd) S. Shekhar, Indian Navy, Regional Director, National Maritime Foundation, Chennai Chapter. Here are the highlights of his presentation (his personal views, not that of NMF):

• India’s Maritime Domain policy documents are available in the form of
  • Indian Navy Vision Document published by Integrated Headquarters of Defence in May 2006.
  • India’s Maritime Military strategy by Integrated Headquarters of Defence in May 2007.
  • National Maritime Agenda published by the Ministry of Shipping in January 2011.
• India’s national interest pertains to: Security, Economic prosperity, Global role in the Indian Ocean.
• Security
  • Determinants of security by analysing the threats: as Perception, Geographics (Terrestrial, Maritime, Cyber), Response.
  • Responsibilities: protection of open seas by the Indian Navy; protection of coastal waters the Indian Coast Guard; protection of shore line by the Marine Police.
  • India has to address maritime concerns by assuming major power roles, safe guarding Indian Ocean and by understanding neighbourhood dynamics.
  • Areas needing attention: development of effective HUMINT (human intelligence) and ELINT (electronic intelligence), Reconnaissance, Surveillance, Tracking, Interception, Interdiction, Archival aspects.
• Economy
  • Economic prosperity can be achieved by GDP growth by focusing on Natural resources, Market access, Technology acquisition.
  • Security needs of economics
    • India’s total trade volume with South-East, East Asian economies is larger than the trade volume with the European Union or the U.S.A.
    • Look East strategy: India has to safe guard trade and energy supply routes through Malacca and Singapore Straits in the Indian Ocean.
  • Economic responsibilities: Indian Ocean centric strategy formulation by taking inputs from Think Tanks, Industry bodies and implementation by coordination and by making effective use of the media.
  • Areas needing attention: Ship building, Ship repair, Development of Human Resources in the maritime domain, Sea food processing, Marine diversity preservation, Maritime disaster – prediction, protection, rehabilitation and piracy at sea.    
• Maritime Domain Action must focus on
  • Strengthening IOR – ARC.
  • Strengthening Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS).
  • Conducting seminars/conferences like Indian Maritime Technology Conference (IMTC) of January 2011 at Chennai and Ship Building Conference (Strategies, Human Resources, Infrastructure, Processes, Shipyard productivity – SHIPS 2011) to be held on 27 and 28 September 2011 at Kochi.
• Global role for India
  • To safe guard SLOC by increasing the presence of the Indian Navy and reducing the presence of the U.S Navy in the Indian Ocean.
  • Areas needing attention: Closely link national strategy with maritime strategy; Strengthen maritime aspects of Look East policy; Bring in maritime awareness into the national mainstream; monitor the implementation of IOC – ARC decisions by all member states.

Some interesting interaction from the audience:

• Piracy at sea:
  • As the piracy at sea is increasing with the demand for huge amounts as ransom, the insurance rates are going up for movement of cargo through sea lanes.
  • What is being done collectively to overcome this ?
  • As a short term effective method, piracy at sea has to be stopped by using Naval Forces.
• China’s String of Pearls in the Indian Ocean Region: China is yet to develop credible presence in ports of Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Coco Islands etc.,
• Strength of Indian Navy:
  • Are old warships being phased out, are replaced with new warships ?
  • Now private shipyards are also engaged to build warships to cater the growth of the Indian Navy.

Here are some photographs

The first ever Maritime Achievement Award was presented to Commander Dilip Donde of the Indian Navy, in New Delhi on September 16, 2011 by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. M.M. Pallam Raju.

This award was presented during the felicitation function to honor Commander Dilip Donde, the first Indian Sailor to successfully complete a solo circum-navigation of the globe.

• Commander Dilip Donde commenced his solo circumnavigation voyage in INSV Mhadei from Mumbai on August 19, 2009.
• During the solo circum-navigation, he unfurled the national flag on his 56 feet yacht INSV Mhadei, on January 26, 2010 (60th Republic day of India) at Port Stanley, Falkland Islands.
• Returned to Mumbai and completed the solo circum-navigation of the globe on May 22, 2010 in the presence of Vice-President Hamid Ansari and Navy Chief Admiral Nirmal Kumar Verma.

Here is the photograph released by the Press Information Bureau.

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. M.M. Pallam Raju presenting the award. Vice Admiral (Retd) Pradeep Kaushiva – Director NMF, Vice Admiral (Retd) MP Awati, Admiral (Retd) Arun Prakash – Chairman NMF and Admiral (Retd) V.S. Shekhawat are also seen.

We are aware that Ministry of Shipping, Government of India has launched a ten year growth oriented Maritime Agenda: 2010 – 2020 on January 13, 2011.

As a follow up to this agenda, within ten days of the release of this agenda, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Southern Region in association with the National Maritime Foundation (NMF), Chennai Chapter conducted the first ever India Maritime Technology Conference (IMTC 2011), at Chennai on 21 and 22 January 2011. The conference brought together most of the experts from the maritime domain on a single platform to help in translating the policy agenda into a structured, systematic, time bound action plan.

Now CII and NMF are getting ready to host SHIPS 2011 (Strategies, Human Resources, Infrastructure, Processes and Security) Conference with the theme ‘Build Ships – Build India’.

• When ?
  • on 27 and 28 September, 2011.
• Where ?
  • at Kochi, Kerala.
• What ?
  • Sessions – on ship building strategies, best practices/procedures, cadre building, support to indigenous industry, infrastructure development, security and so on.
  • International Exposition – on ship building, repair, marine systems/equipment, marine surveillance and security systems.
• For Whom ?
  • Policy makers and Regulators
  • Ship owners
  • Ship building yards
  • Ship repairers
  • Manufacturers of Shipyard plant and machinery
  • Maritime Systems and Equipment manufacturers
  • Infrastructure developers
  • Maritime training institutions
  • Classification societies
  • Financial Institutions connected with the shipping industry
  • Chambers of commerce
  • Human Resource professionals
  • Security experts

The coordinators of this conference are:

• Gp Capt (Retd) L V Mohandas – Head IT & Internal Security, Confederation of Indian Industry, Southern Region Headquarters, Chennai.
• Commodore (Retd) S Shekhar, Indian Navy: Regional Director, National Maritime Foundation, Chennai Chapter.

For more details, log on to Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

‘All Faith Memorial Service’ for Martyrs of Uniformed Services of Independent India was jointly conducted by the National Maritime Foundation (NMF), Rotary Club of Madras Central Aadithya and Ethiraj College for Women at Chennai on September 14, 2011.

Some interesting features of the event are:

• was conducted to pay homage to all martyrs of uniformed personnel including the Armed Forces, Para military forces, Police etc., who made supreme sacrifice of their lives for their countrymen.
• was attended by representatives from all walks of life and faith: NCC cadets in uniform, college students, serving and retired members of the Armed Forces, Rotarians, elite of the city including diplomats from US, Russia, Canada and Australia.
• was conducted in the Auditorium of Ethiraj College for Women, Egmore, Chennai.
• five sacred texts namely the Bhagavad Gita, the Bible, the Koran, the Guru Granth Sahib and the Zend Avesta were ceremoniously brought inside the auditorium and placed at a specially created Altar.
• eminent representatives of the five faiths then read out appropriate extracts from their respective texts.
• distinguished members representing various organisations thereafter placed wreaths at the Altar.
• collective homage by the whole audience was paid with Army buglers sounding the “Last Post” followed by two minutes’ silence observed in memory of the martyrs of uniformed services of Independent India.

Here are some photographs:

Guard of Honour by NCC cadets to receive the guests.

Col Shivanandan, Head Quarters, ATNKK Area.

Commodore Rajeev Girotra, Naval Officer in Charge, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

Priests representing Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Muslim, and Parsi faith at ‘All Faith Memorial Service’.

Some of the distinguished members placing wreaths at the Altar.

Brigadier (Retd) Mrs Durgabai.

Dr Padma Subramaniam.

Group Captain Kekre, Rep Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station, Tambaram.

Collective homage by the audience.

Seen in picture (first row – from left to right)

Lieut General (Retd) Sundara Rao, Major General (Retd) CT Chari, Brigadier (Retd) Subramaniam, Group Captain Kekre, Rotary District Governor Sampath, SRM University Vice Chancellor Dr Ponnavaikko, U.S Consul General Jennifer Mclntyre, Australian First Secretary Michael Long, Russian Deputy Consul General Sergey Soloviev and Mrs Sati Randhawa.

Last year this service was conducted on December 14, 2010.

Thanks to Commodore (Retd) S.Shekhar, Indian Navy, Regional Director, National Maritime Foundation, Chennai Chapter to organise this excellent event.

Indian Coast Guard came into existence on February 01, 1977.  Since then Coast Guard officers are getting trained at Indian Naval Academy. Now the foundation stone for Indian Coast Guard Academy (ICGA) at Azhikkal, Kerala was laid by the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony on May 28, 2011. It is located 20 km south of Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala.

It is expected to take three and half years for the ICGA to be ready to commence training activities.

Here is the press release dated May 28, 2011 from the Indian Navy:

A historic milestone in the growth of Indian Coast Guard (ICG) was achieved today when the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony laid the foundation stone of the first ever Indian Coast Guard Academy (ICGA) at Azhikkal. ICGA will be built at the 164 acre campus, on the banks of Valapattanam estuary overlooking the Arabian Sea in Kannur district of Kerala. Pertinently, the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala is also situated 20 Km north of the ICGA site thus making the famed backwaters in the region, the training hub for Indian maritime services.

Government of India accorded approval for an Academy for the ICG in 2009, as part of a series of resolute steps to substantially enhance the capabilities of the ICG in the wake of Mumbai terrorist attack of 2008. The futuristic Academy when commissioned in an expected timeframe of about three and half years, will be able to train up to 500 trainees, and will also cater for personnel from friendly foreign countries, Marine Police and the Navy in disciplines such as Search and Rescue, Marine Oil Spill Response, Maritime Law, Fisheries, and Boarding & Rummaging.

Addressing the large gathering assembled to witness the historic occasion, Shri Antony, underscored the importance, Government of India accords coastal security in view of the asymmetric threats from the sea. He also said that the Indian Coast Guard is in the process of consolidating manpower and assets to face anti national elements robustly. Shri Antony also urged the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard to never let their guard down, reminding the audience that nations which have ignored maritime security have done so only at their own peril. Earlier Vice Admiral Anil Chopra, Director General Indian Coast Guard while welcoming the gathering, said that with the setting up of ICGA, the country joins the select group of nations with their own Coast Guard Academy.

The Industries Minister of Kerala, Shri PK Kunjalikutty, eminent people’s representatives of the region, and the former Industries Minister of Kerala Shri Elamaram Karim spoke on the occasion.

Here is a photograph from the Indian Navy.

Defence Minister Shri AK Antony after laying the foundation stone of ICG Academy Azhikkal, Kerala. Vice Admiral Anil Chopra, DG, Indian Coast Guard, and IG SPS Basra, Commander CG Region West and eminent people’s representatives from Kerala are also seen.

PNS Mehran, the nerve centre of Pakistan’s Naval Air Arm was attacked with an element of surprise by terrorists on the night of May 22, 2011. It took more than 17 hours for the Pakistani security forces to overcome the terrorist attack and to regain control. PNS Mehran is an integrated aviation facility that provides operation, maintenance, training to the Naval Air Arm.

The terrorist attack

• Four to six terrorists (in the age group of 20 to 25) armed with heavy weapons attacked PNS Mehran base.
• The weapons used by terrorists include Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPG) and LMG rifles.
• Two of the maritime surveillance aircrafts P3C Orion (supplied by U.S) were destroyed in the attack; however the other aircrafts like Sea-kings, Alouette and Chinese-made Z9EC helicopters, Fokker and Atlantic aircrafts were saved from damage.
• Two terrorists were killed; one terrorist with his suicide jacket blew himself inside the building; two terrorists escaped; no terrorist was captured alive.
• 17 foreigners inside the base (11 Chinese engineers and 6 American maintenance contractors) were safely rescued.
• 10 soldiers lost their lives and 15 troops were injured.

About PNS Mehran:

• First Naval Air Station of Pakistan Navy (commissioned on September 26, 1975) located in Karachi 10 KM from Quaid-e-Azam International Airport.
• One of the following units operating Commander Naval Aviation (COMNAV), the head of Naval Air Arm
  • Commander Air (Cdr Air) with following squadrons
    • P3C Squadron (28 Sqn)
    • Atlantic Squadron (29 Sqn)
    • Fokker Squadron (27 Sqn)
    • Seaking Squadron (111 Sqn)
    • Alouette Squadron (333 Sqn)
  • Commander Air Engineering Department (Cdr AED): responsible for the maintenance and technical efficiency of all the aircrafts.
  • Commanding Officer MEHRAN (CO MEH): provides all the logistic and administrative support to the aviation units under COMNAV.
  • Officer Commanding Naval Aviation Training School (OC NATS): responsible for all sort of aviation related training of Naval Air Arm.

View a video clip of Associated Press from You Tube: Pakistani Commandos Control Base After Attack.

Read more from The Nation: Navy retakes airbase after 17-hour battle.

FNS (French Naval Ship) Mistral is now at Singapore to take part in IMDEX Asia 2011 after completing Kochi, India visit (from May 05 to 08, 2011). Russia is very keen to buy/construct this class of ship from France.

The French Landing Helicopter Dock ship Mistral (L9013) can

• Carry out amphibious and air support operations.
• Participate in crisis management.
• Provide command and control support.
• Provide medical support.

IMDEX Asia 2011:

• The biennial, 8th edition of IMDEX Asia is to be held from May 18 to 20, 2011 at Changi Exhibition Centre in Singapore.
• Asia Pacific’s only international exhibition on maritime defence with active support from the Republic of Singapore Navy.
• This exhibition is expected
  • to bring together more than 150 of the world’s leading maritime defence companies.
  • to showcase the latest maritime defence technologies and developments in 7 country pavilions.
  • to be exhibited in an area of over 120,000 sqm of indoor space.
• To be represented by the warships from Australia, France, India, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, UK, USA.

Indian Express reports that India is expected to invest USD 46.96 billion in the next 20 years to modernize the Indian Navy. It is high time for India to build Mistral type multipurpose helicopter carrier.

Here is a graphical presentation of French Landing Helicopter Dock Mistral (L9013) from Marine Nationale, France.

For more details on exhibition, log on to IMDEX Asia 2011.

Xian MA60 Aircraft of Merpati Nusantara Airlines of Indonesia crashed into the sea near the Kaimana Airport (KNG), West Papua on May 07, 2011. The MA60 turboprop aircrafts are manufactured by Xian Aircraft Industry (Group) Company Ltd of China.

Some tragic information on Xian MA 60 air crash available are:

• The aircraft (Flight 8968, en route from Sorong) was cleared to approach the KNG’s runway.
• Weather was reported to be bad with heavy rain and strong winds at the time of approach.
• The aircraft crashed into the sea just 500 meters from the runway of KNG.
• The accident took place approximately 1400 hours local time, while the aircraft was circling for around 15 minutes .
• None of the 27 people (including crew) onboard survived.
• Most of the bodies of the victims were recovered and search is going on to recover the remaining victims.
• On May 08, 2011 the flight data recorder of the aircraft was recovered by police divers in good condition.
• The aircraft had operated just 615 hours and 764 cycles.

The same type of China-made Xian MA 60 aircrafts of Merpati Nusantara Airlines have met with three accidents since 2010. Now the public is speculating whether the Chinese-made Xian MA60 turboprop aircraft was of substandard build quality. National Police has agreed to assist the investigation of this accident by National Committee on Transportation Safety (KNKT) of Indonesia.

Read more from

• ATW Online: Merpati MA60 crashes in Indonesia, killing 27.
• The Jakarta Post: Quality of Chinese-made plane questioned after crash.

Global terror chief Osama Bin Laden was killed by US Navy SEALs of Special Operation Forces on May 01, 2011 in Pakistan. His body was buried at sea.

Reasons for burying Osama Bin Laden’s body at sea are:

• No country was willing to accept Osama Bin Laden’s body.
• The burial in land was avoided to avoid setting up of a tomb/shrine/memorial for Osama Bin Laden by his supporters.

The body was taken to aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) of U.S. 5th Fleet and buried in the North Arabian Sea after performing religious rites within 24 hours of the terrorist leader’s death.

Read more from U.S. Navy: Bin Laden Buried at Sea.

Update: May 04, 2011

Burial at Sea is considered as an honour by the mariners. But his sympathizers feel it different. Read more from Express India: Osama’s Sea Burial Humiliating, say Scholars.

News media around the world are praising the Navy Seals of US Special Operations Forces (SOF) for eliminating terror chief Osama Bin Laden in a mansion close to Islamabad, the capital of Pakistani.

A small team of SOF carried out a surgical raid of less than 40 minutes by surprise to minimize collateral damage.

Some more interesting features of this operation are:

• The operation was not informed to Pakistan in advance to avoid the risk of failure.
• It was a midnight/late night operation on May 01, 2011.
• Four helicopters with SOF came from Afghanistan.
• Bin Laden was hiding in a 1 million USD mansion that had 12 to 18 feet walls with barbed wire around the mansion (but the mansion had no telephone or internet connection).
• The hide out mansion is located very closer to Pakistan Military Academy.

View a video clip from Fox News Video: U.S. Navy SEALs Raided Bin Laden Compound.

Read more from

• The White House Blog: Osama Bin Laden Dead.
• The White House: Press Briefing by Senior Administration Officials on the Killing of Osama bin Laden.
• Mail Online: Bin Laden is Dead

Update: May 06, 2011

Read more from CIA: The Final Chapter in the Hunt for Bin Ladin

A Conclave on “India’s Strategic Foreign Policy” was held on April 25, 2011 at Hotel GRT Grand, Chennai. India’s Interests in the Indian Ocean was discussed in this conclave. It is interesting to note that India is the only country to have an ocean named after it (not to be confused with seas named after countries).

Some interesting features of this conclave on India’s Strategic Foreign Policy are

• This is the first conclave of a series of one day conclaves on India’s Strategic Foreign Policy to be held in four major cities in India and two neighbouring countries.
• Organised by FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry) in association with the Public Diplomacy division of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India (GOI). This event was further supported by National Maritime Foundation (NMF) and the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies, University of Madras.
• Purpose: to disseminate information on India’s Strategic Foreign Policy through a meaningful discussion by involving representatives from Industry, Think tanks, Academia, Journalists, Students, prominent Civil Society members including eminent personalities in the strategic defense sector.
• Subjects Discussed:
  • Strategic Aspects of India’s Foreign Policy: by representatives from FICII, National Interest Project (NIP) of ICRIER (Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations), Department of Defence & Strategic Studies, University of Madras.
  • India’s Interests in the Indian Ocean: by representatives from NMF, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkatta, Centre for Strategic Studies, University of Madras.

Inaugural Session

Welcome Address: by Mr Rafeeque Ahmed, Chairman, FICCI TNSC.

• Theme Address: by Dr Rajiv Kumar, Director General, FICCI.

• Special Address: by Commodore S Shekhar, Regional Director, NMF.

• Inaugural Address: by Mr Jayant Prasad, IFS, Special Secretary (Public Diplomacy), MEA, GOI.

• Keynote Address: by Mr P Murari, IAS (R), Advisor – President, FICCI.

Session I: Strategic Aspects of India’s Foreign Policy

• Session Moderator:  Mr P Murari, IAS (R), Advisor – President, FICCI.
• Speakers:
  • Dr Rajiv kumar, Director General, FICCI.
  • Amb Santosh Kumar, Project Director, NIP, ICRIER.
  • Dr G Malviya, Professor & Head, Department of Defence & Strategic Studies, University of Madras.

Some interesting discussions of this session are:

• Indian history reveals that India not only had a strategic culture but a very rich military heritage.
• India, the largest democracy with growing economy is now a strong and developed nation in terms of Human Resources, Military, Space, Information Technology etc.,
• India’s foreign policy has not yielded the desired results with our immediate neighbouring countries, despite India’s rich cultural, ethnic, linguistic bond with neighbours.
• India’s foreign policy has not yet countered the Chinese (String of Pearls) growing influence with our neighbours.
• Rashtra Dharma or National Interest can not be compromised by the Central Government citing Coalition Dharma.
• We have to identify and define the components of ‘national interest’, to formulate the foreign policy.
• National interest has to be looked into composite, holistic manner and it’s three major components are: Security, Economic prosperity, Global governance.
• Security:
  • External – Transformation from unipolar to multipolar World, Neighbourhood (south Asia).
  • Internal – Neighbourhood, Others.
  • Economic – Energy, Domestic Market, Water.
    • Energy: Explore Oil & Gas, Hydro-power, Nuclear Energy, Non-Conventional Energy sources.
    • Any possible trade off between security and addition to energy supplies has to be carefully assessed.
    • Our neighbouring country, Nepal has economically feasible hydro-power potential of 42,000 MW.
    • Set up coordinative structure in MEA on water management.
  • Unstable neighbourood due to factors like militant ideology, population explosion, failure of governance etc.,
  • Needs of the future that are to be addressed today: Nuclear triad, Cyber security, Blue-water Navy.
• Economic prosperity:
  • We must utilise domestic policy, foreign policy to achieve economic prosperity; it is not advisable to increase defence expenditure without increasing the overall GDP.
  • Trade and External Policy: Unilateral, Regional and Bilateral, Multilateral.
  • Water and Energy must be part of foreign policy to negotiate with our neighbours.
  • FDI:
    • Government’s role has to be that of a facilitator.
    • We must adopt ‘rifle’ approach instead of a ‘shotgun’ approach.
    • Our missions have to maintain a list of potential investors including NRIs.
    • We must concentrate on potential investors in SMEs in India.
  • In the year 2020, the biggest economy will still be the United States.
• Global governance: pertaining to environment, climate change, disarmament, human trafficking, drugs, narcotics, space, law of the seas, sea piracy etc.,
• Political Realism is the need of the hour in our foreign policy than mere political idealism.
• Interaction by the audience:
  • Technology: A country that imports 70% of its military equipment, can not aspire to become a strategic power.
  • SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) has not achieved the desired goal yet.
  • India must open up the borders completely with neighbouring countries for trade.
  • Diplomatic offensive is necessary to stop China’s interference in Indian affairs.

Session II: India’s Interests in the Indian Ocean

• Session Moderator: Rear Admiral Raja Menon (Retd).
• Speakers:
  • Commodore S Shekhar, Regional Director, NMF.
  • Mr Jayanth Prasad, IFS, Special Secretary (PD), MEA, GOI.
  • Dr K Venkataraman, Director, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkatta.
  • Dr Utham Kumar J, Asst Professor, Centre for Strategic Studies, University of Madras.
• Presentation by Commodore S Shekhar, Regional Director, NMF.
  • India has a vast coast line of around 7600 km, 2.5 million sq km of Exclusive Economic Zone, 13 major ports and around 200 minor ports.
  • Today much of India’s national strategy is predominantly peninsular, land based in concept and greatly suffers from lack of maritime orientation.
  • It is indicative of the national apathy to our rich maritime heritage and public ignorance about our maritime resources; this may be due to the political power in post Independence India being predominantly from the Hindi heartland.
  • Hence not much of national importance has been given to the important linkage between maritime affairs and national security.
  • As population increases, with limited land based resources, India has to look upon the Indian Ocean for sea food, energy (wind/tidal/thermal), oils, minerals, gas, ocean medicine, transportation, water sports, tourism etc.,
  • To harness Indian Ocean resources, do we have an integrated ocean based approach to encompass the following ?
    • Security
    • Foreign policy
    • Commerce and Industry
    • Ocean based resources
    • Technology
    • Human Resources development
  • Now, India needs to follow up with the creation of a Task Force which should work on Mission Mode, designated as the Strategic, Augumented, Maritime, Utilisation, Development and Result-oriented Action or SAMUDRA Task Force.
• Presentation by Mr Jayanth Prasad, IFS, Special Secretary (PD), MEA, GOI.
  • India is geographically connected to most of the countries through the Indian Ocean.
  • India has to
    • Safe guard energy security.
    • Protect sea lanes.
    • Enhance coastal security.
    • Establish nuclear triad using sea leg.
  • India is in the process of setting up Asia specific security architecture.
• Presentation “Perspectives on Marine Biodiversity Conservation” by Dr K Venkataraman, Director, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkatta.
  • Instead of looking into the ocean from the land, it is necessary to look into the land from the sea.
  • Man’s relationship to the sea still remains as a hunter rather than a cultivator.
  • Land based hunting was given up thousand years back; there is no reason for not stopping sea based hunting and switch on to sea-farming.
  • Indian Ocean extends over 30% of the ocean global area and is rimmed by 36 littoral and 11 hinterland nations sustaining about 30% of the world population.
  • Indian Ocean also accounts for 30% of the global coral reef cover, 40,000 sq km of mangroves, some of the worlds largest estuaries and 9 large marine eco systems.
  • India has long history of stake on Indian Ocean Marine resources.
  • 80% of the ocean pollution is from land based sources.
  • Analyzing the short comings in Indian Ocean Management:
    • Understand the problems facing Marine Diversity in Indian Ocean by co-relating the information from within Indian Ocean Countries.
    • Determine the true economic value of marine Biodiversity so that rational decisions can be made on the cost of management.
    • Focus management around the user to ensure compliance with and assistance in resource management.
    • Incorporate marine biodiversity into marine protected areas to buffer the reefs against outside damaging influences.
    • Control damaging practices and monitor the effectiveness of control.
    • Promote sustainable uses to realise the full economic potential of healthy marine biodiversity and monitor the effectiveness of management to ensure long term sustainability.
  • Present situation:
    • Sectoral management of different uses by different global and regional institutions.
    • Submarine cables.
    • Fisheries.
    • Shipping.
    • Marine scientific research.
    • Oil and Gas development.
    • Deep seabed mining.
    • Dumping and marine litter.
    • Emerging uses not yet adequately managed, legal/policy gaps: Bioprospecting, Carbon storage and sequestration, Iron fertilization, Mariculture facilities, Floating energy facilities.
  • Integrated Ocean Management policy in the Indian Ocean
    • Crimes at sea such as bio-piracy, bio-terrorism and illegal trade and trafficking.
    • Disaster management in the form of tsunamis, cyclones, floods and earthquakes.
    • Marine safety including search and rescue, salvage, accidents at sea; possible cooperation between Indian Ocean countries.
    • Environmental degradation due to oil spills, waste disposal and pollution by ships.
    • Offshore territorial conflicts generated by a need to control fisheries and minerals.
• Presentation by Dr Utham Kumar J, Asst Professor, Centre for Strategic Studies, University of Madras.
  • Reality at sea
    • Conflict alone bears economic, political and strategic costs – a definite no-no.
    • Perpetual peace near impossible as there is clash of interest.
    • There is great interdependence with some instances of discord.
  • Seapower
    • Possessing physical characteristics such as naval strength, ship building, maritime infrastructure.
    • Employing these to alter others’ behaviour.
    • Seapower as input refers to actual naval might of a state.
    • Seapower as output refers to the ability to change other’s behaviour.
  • Navies are perceived as
    • Instrument of state policy.
    • Having compact diplomatic value.
    • An assurance to allies and friends.
    • Symbols of threat to adversaries.
  • Components of Naval Diplomacy
    • Expeditionary operations.
    • Humanitarian operations.
    • Naval presence: Coalition building; Picture building; Coercion – Deterrence, Compellence.
  • Advantages of Naval Diplomacy
    • Allows negotiating from a point of strength.
    • Indicates capacity to take control and enforce order.
    • Extend one’s reach and get involved elsewhere.
    • Enhance country’s image at home and abroad.
    • Demonstrate India’s technological prowess.
  • Limitations of Naval Diplomacy
    • Naval Diplomacy is as good as National Policy.
    • Success is hard to measure as influence might not be immediate or obvious.
    • Restricted by proper evaluation of situation, requisite offensive and defensive power, speed of action, control and effect.
  • Indian Navy
    • Naval Presence of India exhibits her seapower as input.
    • But what effect that has in furthering her interests or changing other power behaviour, that is seapower as output needs to be examined.
    • Though India’s naval presence is dotted along the Indian Ocean, we are in transition.
  • Points to ponder
    • Is increasing Naval Presence necessary ?
    • In times of crisis, does India possess the capability to overcome challenges ?
    • How far can Indian Navy help in protecting Energy Security interests, assets (like Sakhalin crude oil project and its transportation) ?
    • What are the force levels, naval platforms and other additional requirements needed to meet the enhanced responsibility ?

Vote of Thanks: was given by Mr Saravanan, Deputy Director, FICCI TNSC

Thanks to Public Diplomacy Division of MEA for this conclave and the citizens need frequent updates of this type from the Government.

Exercise Malabar 2011 by Indian Navy and U.S. Navy (seventh fleet) is being conducted in the western Pacific Ocean from April 03 to April 10, 2011. Japan is not taking part in the exercise as Japan has not yet recovered from the damage caused by the March 11, 2011 tsunami.

So far 13 Malabar exercise series have been conducted (in the years 1992, 1995, 1996, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 (twice), 2008, 2009 and 2010). 11 exercises were conducted off Indian Coast and 2 in the Pacific Ocean. Though this exercise is primarily a bilateral exercise, as an exception Japanese Navy participated on two occasions; Australian and Singapore Navies participated on one occasion.

Some interesting features of Malabar 2011 are:

• Exercise is being held in the western Pacific Ocean, east of the Luzon Strait and east of Okinawa.
• Indian Navy is represented by
  • destroyers: INS Dehli (D 61), INS Ranvijay (D 55), INS Ranvir (D 54)
  • corvette: INS Kirch (P 62)
  • fleet tanker: INS Jyoti (A 58)
• U.S. Navy is represented by
  • destroyers: USS Sterett (DDG 104), USS Stethem (DDG 63)
  • frigate: USS Reuben James (FFG 57)
  • a nuclear powered attack submarine
• Events planned during the exercise are:
  • liaison officer professional exchanges and embarks
  • communications exercises
  • surface action group exercise operations
  • formation maneuvering
  • helicopter cross deck evolutions
  • underway replenishments
  • humanitarian assistance and disaster relief
  • gunnery exercises
  • visit, board, search and seizure
  • maritime strike
  • air defense
  • screen exercise
  • anti-submarine warfare

Read more from U.S. Navy.

Update: April 11, 2011

Read more from U.S. Navy

• US, Indian Navies Kick Off Malabar 2011
• Malabar 2011 Enters Final Phase

View Malabar 2011 Exercise photographs from U.S. Navy

• Rear Adm. Harish Bisht salutes side boys while departing USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) during a visit in support of exercise Malabar 2011
• Sailors aboard USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) remove the chains that secured an Indian MK42 Sea Hawk helicopter during exercise Malabar 2011
• The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and ships from the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group and the Indian navy transit the Pacific Ocean
• Sailors assigned to the guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) and Indian navy sailors maneuver in rigid-hull inflatable boats, during exercise Malabar 2011
• Rear Adm. Robert Girrier, commander of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 7, observes flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) with Indian naval officers of the Eastern Fleet
• Indian naval officers tour the Ronald Reagan museum aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76)
• Lt. Brian Zimmerman, flight deck officer aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), explains how flight deck control manages aircraft to Indian naval officers of the Eastern Fleet
• Sailors assigned to the Indian navy prepare to maneuver a rigid-hull inflatable boat alongside the guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) to pick up Indian navy officers as part of exercise Malabar 2011. Malabar 2011
• Sailors assigned aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) watch Indian sailors transport officers in rigid-hull inflatable boats as part of exercise Malabar 2011
• Capt. Thom Burke, commanding officer of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), exchanges a gift with Indian navy Rear Adm. Harish Bisht

The 18th annual Singapore Indian Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) was hosted by Singapore from 18 to 25 March 2011. The bilateral exercise between the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Indian Navy (IN) was initially code named as Exercise Lion King (the first exercise commenced in 1994 as anti submarine exercise; the RSN could even fire an exercise torpedo against the IN submarine in 2003 and 2004 exercises)

Some interesting features of Simbex 2011 are:

• Harbour phase was held at Changi Naval Base.
• Sea phase was conducted in the South China Sea.
• Aimed to enhance the interoperability between the two navies by focusing on advanced naval warfare in three dimensions of air, surface and sub-surface.
• The RSN was represented by three frigates, a missile corvette, a submarine and a maritime patrol aircraft.
• The IN was represented by three destroyers INS Delhi, INS Ranvijay (third not known), a corvette (name not known), an oiler (INS Jyoti) and a maritime patrol aircraft.

During this period of exercise, between 21 to 23 March, 2011 India’s Defence Secretary Mr Pradeep Kumar also visited Singapore and called on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Mr Teo Chee Hean.

Read more from MINDEF, Singapore.

Update: April 03, 2011

Other Indian Navy ships participated in the exercise are: Destroyer INS Ranvir and Corvette INS Kirch.

Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) ship USS Decatur (DDG 73) of U.S. Navy visited Chennai, India from March 16 to 19, 2011. The U.S. press releases say that the visit was to give the ship’s crew a chance to experience the culture of India and to participate in community service (COMSERV) projects. The warship is commanded by Commander Shanti Sethi, an American of Indian descent, the first female commanding officer of a U.S. Navy ship to visit Chennai.

Some interesting features of USS Decatur (DDG 73) are

• An Arleigh Burke-Class, guided-missile destroyer (Ballistic Missile Defense ship) home ported at San Diego, California.
• Departed San Diego in September 2010 on independent deployment. Currently operating under Commander, Destroyer Squadron Seven. Recently switched over to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) from 5th Fleet area of responsibility.
• The primary focus of deployment is ‘Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD)’ (mainly devoted to continuing the development of Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD), an evolving system that’s meant to give the U.S. Navy the reliable ability to intercept short and intermediate-range missiles in various phases of flight).
• BMD capable guided-missile destroyer can carry out assigned BMD missions, even while performing operational tasks such as maritime interdiction operations, battle group air defense during multinational exercises.
• The AN/SPY-1D phased array radar of Decatur’s Aegis combat system can scan in all directions (360 degrees) simultaneously to detect, track and engage hundreds of air-crafts and missiles while continuously monitoring the sky for new targets.
• Decatur can also launch in a combination of up to 90 Standard surface-to-air missiles with the MK41 Vertical Launching System (VLS).

Visit of BMD capable USS Decatur to Chennai (eastern coast of India) has taken place just after India has proved ballistic missile defence capability on March 06, 2011 by firing an interceptor missile to intercept and destroy an incoming (enemy) ballistic missile at an altitude of 16 km. Now India is ready to integrate this capability into the air defence assets of the country. The operation was carried out from a launch complex at the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Orissa, eastern coast of India. This BMD capability is only available with U.S., Russia, France and Israel.

This raises certain logical doubts like

• prior to visiting Chennai, was USS Decatur present in eastern coast of India to monitor/collect data on India’s BMD capabilities ?
• for a warship switching over from U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (extends from the Persian Gulf to parts of East Africa) to 7th Fleet area of responsibility (covering  the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans), the nearest Indian ports are in western coast of India (like Mumbai, Goa and Kochi).
• to visit Chennai, the warship has to go-around Sri Lanka (very rarely U.S. Navy ships visit Chennai).
• why the press releases regarding the ship’s visit to Chennai do not mention the BMD capability of USS Decatur ?

The visit of BMD capable USS Decatur (DDG 73) to Chennai this month, may be a mere coincidence also.

Read more

• from U.S. Consulate General Chennai, India
• from U.S. Navy: USS Decatur Visits India
• from The Times of India: Chennai delights US Commander

Indian Navy’s INS Kalpeni captured 61 Somali pirates on the night of March 12, 2011 from Vega 5 (a Mozambique flagged fishing vessel that was hijacked on December 28, 2010 and used as pirate ‘mother vessel’) in the Arabian sea about 600 nautical miles west of India. 13 crew members of Vega 5 were also rescued during the operation (above photograph is from Indian Navy’s press release).

This capture was possible as a follow up to the input given by Indian Navy’s Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft in the region on March 11, 2011.

Here is the press release from Press Information Bureau.

Indian Navy NABS 61 Pirates and Rescues 13 Crew Neutralises Pirate Mother Vessel Vega 5

On the night of 12th Mar 11, at about 2100 hrs INS Kalpeni intercepted a pirate mother vessel called Vega 5 in the Arabian sea about 600 nautical miles west of India. 13 crew members were resuced and 61 pirates have been nabbed.

On 11th Mar 11, a Naval Dornier while responding to a call from MV Vancouver Bridge under pirate attack, located Vega 5 a pirate mother vessel in the area. Seeing the naval aircraft, the pirates immediately aborted their piracy attempt and the mother vessel attempted to escape from the area. Whilst IN Maritime Patrol Aircraft continuously tracked the pirate mother vessel Vega 5, Indian Naval Ships Khukri ( a missile corvette) and Kalpeni (a Water Jet Fast Attack Craft) already deployed for anti piracy patrol, were diverted to intercept and investigate Vega 5.

On the night of 12 Mar 11 INS Kalpeni closed Vega 5. In the darkness, the pirate mother vessel launched two skiffs which fired at Kalpeni. INS Kalpeni responded with limited firing. Thereafter it was observed that a fire had broken out on Vega 5 (mother vessels are known to carry additional fuel drums to fuel the skiffs). Personnel were also seen jumping overboard. INS Kalpeni in conunction with INS Khukri recovered 74 personnel comprising 61 pirates and 13 members of the original crew of the fishing vessel. Preliminary investigations revealed that the pirates were carrying about 80 to 90 small arms/rifles and a few heavier weapons (likely to be RPGs).

Vega 5, a Mozambique flagged fishing vessel was hijacked on 28 Dec 10 and has thereafter been used as ‘mother vessel’ for piracy operations. This vessel had been a risk to international shipping for last four months and has carried out several attacks.

Naval ships and aircraft are presently in the area searching for any other fishermen/pirates.

South Eastern Arabian sea is a focal point of international traffic and the security of these sea lanes in the Arabian Sea is critical to the flow of global trade. In addition to the anti-piracy patrols being sustained in the Gulf of Aden since Oct 2008, in view of the dangers from vessels such as Vega 5, the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard have been maintaining vigil West of the Lakshadweep Islands in the last four months. This has proved effective and piracy incidents in this area have seen a 60% decline since December 2010.

It may be recalled that Indian Navy has already apprehended two pirate mother ships on 28 Jan and 05 Feb 11 in the Arabian Sea. A total of 43 pirates had been apprehended in these incidents. The present apprehension of 61 pirates in one incident is the most significant success against the pirates so far. The manner in which the firm and resolute actions have been taken by the Indian Navy demonstrates the nation’s determination to strengthen safety of merchant shipping in the international sea lanes in the Arabian Sea with due regard to international humanitarian law, even when dealing with a group of hardened pirates.
PVS
(Release ID :70909)

Update: March 18, 2011

25 out of 61 pirates captured are below the age of 16 years. Read more from the Times of India.

The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has commended Indian Navy’s latest action against piracy. Read more from International Maritime Bureau (IMB).

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), Nimitz-class aircraft carrier is underway to tsunami affected Japan to provide Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR). USS Ronald Reagan, the flagship of the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group comprising USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), USS Preble (DDG 88) are heading to Honshu, east coast of Japan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Dylan McCord/Released)

Also the following U.S. Navy ships in the region are also heading for HADR.

• USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), the U.S. Seventh Fleet command ship, gets underway from Singapore.
• USS Essex (LHD 2), gets underway from Sepangar, Malaysia.
• USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49)
• USS Germantown (LSD 42)
• USS Tortuga (LSD 46)

View some video clips from You Tube:

• U.S. Navy Sailors load supplies aboard USS Blue Ridge for Japan relief
• USS Blue Ridge Departs Singapore en route to Japan Following March 11 Earthquake and Tsunami

Read more from U.S. Navy: Navy Units Prepare to Support Tsunami-Damaged Areas.