Indian Navy On High Alert: Task Groups Deployed, Surveillance Heightened In Wake Of Arabian Sea Security Concerns

In response to multiple attacks on merchant ships in the Central/North Arabian Sea this month, the Indian Navy has heightened surveillance efforts and increased force levels in the region according to a report from The Indian Express.

Task Groups, consisting of destroyers and frigates, have been deployed for maritime security operations, and aerial surveillance using long-range maritime patrol aircraft and RPAs has been intensified.

The Navy is closely collaborating with the Coast Guard for effective surveillance of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

A statement from the Navy emphasised its commitment to ensuring the safety of merchant shipping in the Central/North Arabian Sea and highlighted ongoing coordination with national maritime agencies.

The statement from Navy stated: “Task Groups comprising destroyers and frigates have been deployed to undertake maritime security operations and render assistance to merchant vessels in case of any incident. Aerial surveillance by long-range maritime patrol aircraft and RPAs has been enhanced to have a complete maritime domain awareness. Towards effective surveillance of EEZ, Indian Navy is operating in close coordination with Coast Guard.”

On 23 December, a drone attack occurred on the chemical tanker MV Chem Pluto, and a piracy incident involved the MV Ruen approximately 700 miles from the Indian coast.

A joint investigation into the drone attack is underway after the vessel reached the Indian coast.