Indian Ocean Region

October 12, 2026 7:24 PM

INS Tarkash to Participate in IBSAMAR IX 2026 to Strengthen Trilateral Maritime Cooperation

Indian Naval Ship (INS) Tarkash, a frontline guided-missile stealth frigate of the Indian Navy, is on an overseas deployment to South Africa to participate in the ninth edition of the India-Brazil-South Africa Maritime (IBSAMAR) Exercise 2026. The trilateral exercise brings together the Indian, Brazilian and South African Navies to enhance interoperability, strengthen maritime cooperation and promote mutual understanding among the participating forces. Focus on Maritime Security in the Indian O...

October 2, 2026 1:06 AM

INS Tarkash arrives at Mombasa, Kenya for goodwill port call

Indian Naval Ship Tarkash, a frontline stealth frigate, arrived at Mombasa, Kenya, on September 29 for a goodwill port call as part of her deployment. The visit underscores the longstanding and multifaceted relationship between India and Kenya, two maritime nations connected by historical, cultural and people-to-people ties. India and Kenya share a long history of maritime engagement across the Indian Ocean. As key maritime nations, both countries remain committed to fostering maritime ties and...

October 1, 2026 2:31 PM

India hosts 9th Deputy National Security Advisers’ meeting of Colombo Security Conclave

India on Wednesday hosted the 9th Deputy National Security Adviser (DNSA)-level meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) virtually, with Bangladesh, Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka and Seychelles participating in the discussions. The meeting reviewed the decisions taken at the 7th National Security Adviser-level meeting of the CSC, held in New Delhi on November 20, 2025. Member States also reviewed the Roadmap for Cooperation and Activities for 2025-2026 and noted the substantial progress...

September 29, 2026 5:11 PM

India first responder, preferred security partner in Indian Ocean Region: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday described India as a “First Responder” and “Preferred Security Partner” in the Indian Ocean Region, asserting that the country’s growing maritime presence and responsibilities require stronger surveillance and response mechanisms. Addressing the second edition of the Indian Navy’s biannual Commanders’ Conference 2026 at Nausena Bhawan in New Delhi, Singh said India’s strategic position and responsibilities in the region were growing amid...

September 9, 2026 8:20 PM

Secure sea lanes, freedom of navigation vital for Indian Ocean security and prosperity: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called for stronger maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, stressing that secure sea lanes, freedom of navigation, respect for international law and unhindered maritime trade are essential for the collective security and economic prosperity of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Addressing a gathering at Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence in Colombo on Wednesday, Singh said India and Sri Lanka, as close maritime partners, were well positioned to work toge...

July 10, 2026 10:24 PM

India is primary guarantor of peace and stability in Indian Ocean Region: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday asserted that India has emerged as the primary guarantor of peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), highlighting the Indian Navy's pivotal role in safeguarding the country's maritime interests amid an increasingly complex global security environment. Addressing naval personnel during a Barakhana in Visakhapatnam on the eve of the commissioning of INS Mahendragiri, the sixth indigenous Project 17A stealth frigate, Singh praised the Navy for ...

June 17, 2026 10:36 AM

India chairs 28th IORA senior officials committee meeting, reinforces cooperation for a peaceful Indian Ocean Region

India hosted the 28th Meeting of the Committee of Senior Officials (CSO) of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in New Delhi on June 15-16, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and advancing discussions on the organisation's future roadmap for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indian Ocean Region. In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, "India hosted the 28th Meeting of the Committee of Senior Officials (CSO) of IORA in New Delhi on 15–16 ...

March 18, 2026 3:47 PM

Indian Navy launches IOS SAGAR initiative to boost maritime cooperation in Indian Ocean Region

The Indian Navy has commenced the second edition of the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative from March 16, reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening maritime partnerships and security in the Indian Ocean Region. The latest edition comes shortly after India assumed the chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) in February 2026 and includes participation from 16 member nations of the region. Enhancing maritime collaboration The IOS SAGAR initiative is part of India’...

February 13, 2026 5:59 PM

India, Thailand hold joint air combat exercise in Indian Ocean region

The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted a joint in-situ air combat exercise with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) in the Indian Ocean Region from February 9 to 12, 2026, aimed at boosting interoperability and deepening defence ties between the two nations. The bilateral drill featured frontline multirole fighters — IAF Su-30MKI jets operating from bases in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and RTAF SAAB Gripen aircraft flying from Thai airfields — with extended-range maritime operations supporte...

January 18, 2026 11:00 AM

ICGS Sankalp reaches Mauritius to strengthen maritime cooperation

Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Sankalp, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, arrived at Port Louis in Mauritius on Saturday as part of its ongoing overseas deployment to friendly foreign countries in the Indian Ocean Region, underscoring India’s commitment to maritime cooperation and regional security. According to the Defence Ministry, the port call is aligned with India’s maritime vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), which focuses on promoting maritime safety, security and e...