The Indian Navy has recently accomplished its second anti-piracy patrol mission in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) in the Atlantic Ocean, with the Offshore Patrol Vessel INS Sumedha playing a key role. This follows the inaugural GoG anti-piracy patrol conducted by INS Tarkash in September/October 2022.
Highlights of the Second GoG Anti-Piracy Patrol
INS Sumedha was central to the GoG’s anti-piracy patrol for 31 days, serving on extended-range operational deployment in the Atlantic Ocean near West Africa. The deployment of INS Sumedha proved instrumental in fostering connections with regional navies, including those of Senegal, Ghana, Togo, Nigeria, Angola, and Namibia.
The mission aimed to develop the abilities of regional partners through joint training, demonstrating India’s commitment to the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’- The World is One Family. Its primary objectives were to deter and prevent piracy and armed robbery at sea, safeguard Indian and international merchant vessels, and promote maritime security and stability in the region.
About the Gulf of Guinea (GoG)
Situated on the western African coast, the GoG is an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean, stretching from Cape Lopez in Gabon to Cape Palmas in Liberia. Major rivers like the Volta and Niger drain into the GoG. The gulf’s location is marked by the intersection of the Prime Meridian and the Equator, making it geographically significant.
However, the GoG is recognized as one of the world’s most dangerous gulfs because of rampant piracy that severely impacts many countries in West Africa and beyond. About 100 vessels are attacked by pirates in the gulf each year. Rich in resources, the GoG region accounts for over 35% of the world’s total petroleum reserves and is rich in minerals like diamonds, uranium, and copper.
Primarily, the region’s economic activities revolve around petroleum exploration, mining, gas flaring, port operations, and fishing. The 16 coastal countries situated along the Gulf of Guinea include Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Guinea, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Gabon, Nigeria, Ghana, São Tomé and Principe, Togo, and Sierra Leone.
Strategic Importance of Gulf of Guinea for India
The Gulf of Guinea holds great strategic importance to India, serving as a significant supplier for India’s energy requirements. Nigeria, located in the Gulf, emerged as the fourth-largest supplier of crude oil and Liquefied natural gas (LNG) to India in 2020.
However, security concerns such as piracy, armed robbery, terrorism, and transnational crime in the GoG region also pose threats to India. Several Indian nationals have been held hostage by pirates in the area in the past.
About INS Sumedha
INS Sumedha is the third NOPV of the Saryu class, developed indigenously and used for multiple roles independently and in support of Fleet Operations. Equipped with various weapon systems, sensors, modern navigation and communication systems, and an Electronic Warfare system, it serves to meet the increasing ocean surveillance and patrolling needs of the Indian Navy.
Its primary role is to conduct exclusive economic zone (EEZ) surveillance, anti-piracy patrols, fleet support operations, provide maritime security to offshore assets, and carry out escort operations for high-value assets.
India’s Maritime Security Initiatives
In terms of maritime security, India has taken several initiatives, such as the SAGAR policy and supporting the UN Convention on Law of Sea (UNCLOS). The International Fusion Centre (IFC) is another major initiative in this regard.
