Indo-Pacific Navies Conduct La Perouse Exercise 2025

The La Perouse exercise in 2025 marks multilateral naval operation involving nine Indo-Pacific nations. Hosted by France, this exercise takes place in the strategic straits of Malacca, Sunda, and Lombok. These straits connect the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and are vital for global maritime trade. The Indian Navy has deployed its guided-missile destroyer INS Mumbai for this exercise, which runs from January 16 to 24. The French Carrier Strike Group, led by the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, is at the forefront of this operation.

Significance of the Straits

The straits of Malacca, Sunda, and Lombok are critical choke points in maritime navigation. They facilitate entry and exit into the Indian Ocean Region. Increased naval activities, particularly by the Chinese Navy, have heightened the strategic importance of these waterways. The straits face numerous risks including maritime accidents, environmental hazards, illegal immigration, and drug trafficking. Natural threats such as earthquakes and tsunamis also pose challenges.

Objectives of the Exercise

The primary aim of the La Perouse exercise is to enhance maritime safety. This involves developing interoperability among participating navies. The exercise focuses on collective action during maritime crises. It seeks to improve cooperation in maritime surveillance, interdiction operations, and air operations. The Indian Navy emphasises the importance of information sharing and tactical interoperability among like-minded nations.

Participating Nations

Nine countries are participating in the La Perouse exercise – Australia, Canada, France, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This diverse participation puts stress on a collective commitment to maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Training and Operations

During the exercise, navies will engage in various training scenarios. These include surface warfare, anti-air warfare, and air defence operations. The drills will also cover complex manoeuvres such as cross-deck landings and Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations. The exercise aims to develop common maritime situational awareness among the navies involved.

IORIS Communication System

A key feature of the La Perouse exercise is the use of the IORIS communication system. This system facilitates the exchange of information and documents among participating navies. It is crucial for effective coordination during maritime crises. The enhancement of communication capabilities is vital for synchronised operations in high-stakes situations.

Previous Exercises and Interactions

Prior to La Perouse, the French Carrier Strike Group conducted a port call in Goa and Kochi. They also participated in the 42nd edition of the bilateral exercise Varuna with the Indian Navy. These interactions have strengthened ties and operational synergy among the navies.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Discuss the importance of maritime security in the context of Indo-Pacific geopolitics.
2. Critically examine the role of multilateral naval exercises in enhancing regional stability.
3. What are the implications of increasing naval activities in the Indo-Pacific region? Discuss with suitable examples.
4. Explain the concept of interoperability among navies. How does it contribute to collective maritime security?

Answer Hints:

1. Discuss the importance of maritime security in the context of Indo-Pacific geopolitics.

1. Maritime security is vital for trade routes, with major shipping lanes passing through the Indo-Pacific.
2. Increased military presence, particularly by China, raises tensions and necessitates collective security measures.
3. Regional alliances, such as AUKUS and Quad, emphasize the need for collaborative maritime strategies.
4. Incidents of piracy, illegal fishing, and trafficking highlight the need for robust maritime law enforcement.
5. Maritime security underpins a rules-based international order, essential for stability in the region.

2. Critically examine the role of multilateral naval exercises in enhancing regional stability.

1. Multilateral exercises encourage trust and cooperation among participating nations, reducing the risk of conflict.
2. They improve interoperability, allowing navies to operate effectively together in crises.
3. Exercises like La Perouse enhance maritime situational awareness and collective response capabilities.
4. Such drills signal commitment to regional security, deterring aggressive actions by potential adversaries.
5. They provide a platform for sharing best practices and improving tactical skills among diverse forces.

3. What are the implications of increasing naval activities in the Indo-Pacific region? Discuss with suitable examples.

1. Increased naval activities can lead to heightened tensions, as seen with US-China naval encounters in the South China Sea.
2. They may trigger an arms race, with countries enhancing their naval capabilities to counter perceived threats.
3. Increased presence of foreign navies can lead to more frequent maritime confrontations and miscalculations.
4. Examples include the US Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs) challenging China’s territorial claims.
5. However, increased activities can also enhance security cooperation and regional stability through joint exercises.

4. Explain the concept of interoperability among navies. How does it contribute to collective maritime security?

1. Interoperability refers to the ability of different navies to operate together effectively during joint operations.
2. It involves standardizing procedures, communication systems, and tactical approaches among allied forces.
3. Improved interoperability enhances response times and coordination in crises, leading to more effective operations.
4. Examples include the use of systems like IORIS for real-time information sharing during exercises.
5. Collective maritime security is strengthened as navies can quickly and efficiently address threats together.