Indian Navy recently concluded its annual theater level exercise TROPEX-2015 in Indian Ocean. Two carrier groups, Viraat and Vikramaditya, were deployed simultaneously in different seas of the Indian Ocean. Total 50 ships and 70 aircraft took part in the exercise where Indian Navy's operational plans and a completely digital inter-fleet communication were validated. Along with two air craft carriers, Indian Navy deployed almost every kind of Naval assets from Naval Aviation( Mig-29K, P-8I) to Anti-Submarine platforms (INS Kamorta) to Guided Missile Destroyers (INS Kolkata) and units of Indian Coast Guards as well. During the exercise, supersonic cruise missile Brahmos was also test fired from one of the Kolkata class destroyer. Mig-29K demonstrated various operations while Indian Naval satellite Rukmani has been described as 'pivotal in ensuring seamless connectivity between triad of surface, sub surface and air platforms of Indian Navy.
ANALYSIS:
Indian Navy has been striving hard for becoming a 'Blue Water Navy' and TROPEX-2015 is among major exercises where Indian Navy test its ability to perform different zones simultaneously, a fundamental requirement of any Blue Water Navy. Recently, Indian Government has announced to launch a $8 billion program to produce more ships for Indian Navy.
Interestingly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Maldives, Mauritius Seychelles and Sri Lanka during this month to reinforce India’s foreign policy objectives as well. Main aim of his visit is to use Indian maritime diplomacy in order to secure Indian interests in the these strategically located island nations of the Indian Ocean. China has made financial and maritime development overtures in Sri Lanka and Maldev which are being perceived by Delhi as a challenge to her own maritime security.
Interestingly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Maldives, Mauritius Seychelles and Sri Lanka during this month to reinforce India’s foreign policy objectives as well. Main aim of his visit is to use Indian maritime diplomacy in order to secure Indian interests in the these strategically located island nations of the Indian Ocean. China has made financial and maritime development overtures in Sri Lanka and Maldev which are being perceived by Delhi as a challenge to her own maritime security.
