India has recently expanded its naval collaboration by participating in the “Iran-Russia Maritime Security Belt 2021,” a significant naval exercise in the northern Indian Ocean. This move demonstrates India’s strategic engagement with other key players in the region and highlights its interest in maintaining regional maritime security.
Overview of the Iran-Russia Maritime Security Belt 2021
The “Iran-Russia Maritime Security Belt 2021” is a collaborative naval exercise that brings together forces from Iran, Russia, and now India. The primary aim of this exercise is to strengthen maritime cooperation between the participating countries and to enhance security measures in critical waterways. The exercise commenced on February 16, 2021, indicating a growing military rapport among the participating nations.
Participating Naval Forces
The drill witnessed the participation of both the Iranian army’s navy divisions and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Several vessels from the Russian navy were also involved in the exercise. With the inclusion of the Indian Navy, the exercise underscored a multi-national effort towards collective maritime security. The commander of the Iranian Navy, Hossein Khanzadi, mentioned that the Chinese Navy would also be part of the exercise, though details on their involvement were not specified.
Scope and Area of the Exercise
The naval exercise covered a vast area of 6,500 square miles (17,000 square kilometers), providing a significant space for various maritime operations. This large-scale drill allowed the participating navies to simulate scenarios across a broad expanse of the northern Indian Ocean, ensuring a comprehensive training experience.
Exercise Activities
The “Iran-Russia Maritime Security Belt 2021” included a range of activities designed to test and enhance the capabilities of the participating naval forces. These activities encompassed shooting at both air and sea targets, which is essential for improving accuracy and response times in actual combat situations. Additionally, the exercise focused on search and rescue operations, vital for humanitarian missions and disaster response. Anti-piracy operations were also a key component of the drill, reflecting the common challenge of piracy in the region. Lastly, the exercise included liberating hijacked ships, a scenario that tests the readiness and tactical prowess of the naval forces in hostage and crisis situations.
India-Russia Exercise: PASSEX
Prior to India’s involvement in the Iran-Russia maritime exercise, the Indian and Russian navies conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) in December 2020. This two-day exercise took place in the East Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and was aimed at enhancing interoperability between the two navies. PASSEX exercises are often conducted to ensure that navies are able to communicate and coordinate effectively in times of need, reflecting a mutual understanding and trust between the countries involved.
Participation in such exercises underlines India’s commitment to securing its strategic interests in the IOR and showcases its ability to operate in conjunction with other global powers. By engaging in joint naval drills, India not only reinforces its naval capabilities but also sends a message of solidarity and cooperation in ensuring maritime security. Through these exercises, India continues to bolster its position as a significant maritime power in the Indian Ocean region.
