INS Trishul, the guided missile frigate of the Indian Navy, recently achieved a significant milestone by conducting the country’s inaugural Joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance alongside the Tanzanian Navy. This joint operation reflects India’s commitment to the doctrine of SAGAR (Security and Growth for all in the Region) advocated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It also highlights the deepening bond and expanding defence cooperation between India and Tanzania.
India’s Commitment to Regional Security and Growth:
India’s engagement with its maritime neighbors in the Indian Ocean region is guided by the SAGAR doctrine, which emphasizes security, growth, and cooperation for all nations. By actively participating in joint exercises and surveillance operations, India demonstrates its commitment to fostering regional security and promoting economic growth for all nations involved. The partnership between India and Tanzania in the maritime domain is a testament to this commitment.
Tanzania: A Critical Defence Partner:
Tanzania has emerged as a vital partner in India’s defence outreach and Indo-Pacific Policy. The growing cooperation between the two countries signifies the strengthening of bilateral ties and the shared vision for regional stability and prosperity. Last year witnessed the inaugural India-Mozambique-Tanzania Trilateral Exercise (IMT TRILAT), a joint maritime exercise aimed at enhancing maritime security and interoperability. This exercise showcased the deepening bond and mutual trust between India and Tanzania.
Significant Engagements and Visits:
In recent years, the defence relationship between India and Tanzania has witnessed notable engagements and high-level visits. The Defence Ministers of Tanzania have visited India twice in the past year, underscoring the importance of bilateral cooperation. These visits serve as opportunities to discuss and explore avenues for collaboration in various defence-related areas, including training, capacity building, and infrastructure development.
A Roadmap for Defence Cooperation:
The second edition of the Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) between India and Tanzania recently concluded, resulting in the formulation of a comprehensive five-year roadmap for defence cooperation. This roadmap encompasses a wide range of initiatives, including joint training programs, capacity building efforts, enhanced maritime cooperation, infrastructure development, and collaboration in defence equipment and technology. The roadmap reflects the shared commitment of both countries to deepen defence ties and foster long-term cooperation.
INS Trishul’s Role:
INS Trishul, the second frigate of the Talwar class, plays a pivotal role in strengthening India-Tanzania defence cooperation. The guided missile frigate, which joined the Indian Navy’s fleet in 2003, actively participated in the joint surveillance operation alongside the Tanzanian Navy. Equipped with advanced capabilities, including a Chetak helicopter and MARCOS (Special forces), INS Trishul showcases India’s maritime prowess and its commitment to maintaining a secure and stable Indian Ocean region.
Promoting Indigenous Defence Manufacturing:
The Indian delegation accompanying INS Trishul during engagements with Tanzania included representatives from Defence Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). This presence highlights India’s growing prowess in defence manufacturing and the potential for exporting indigenous defence equipment and technology to friendly nations. Such collaborations not only strengthen defence ties but also contribute to India’s vision of becoming a self-reliant and globally competitive defence manufacturing hub.
