China, Iran, and Russia Stage Joint Naval Drills in Gulf of Oman
The naval forces of China, Iran, and Russia launched a joint exercise near the Gulf of Oman, aimed at safeguarding regional maritime security. The 'Maritime Security Belt-2024' exercise marked the fourth time these countries have conducted such a drill since 2019.
The theme of the exercise is 'Jointly Building Peace and Security'.
The exercise was divided into three phases: harbour phase, sea phase, and summarise phase.
The main focus was on anti-piracy and search and rescue operations.
Envoys from Azerbaijan, India, Kazakhstan, Oman, Pakistan, and South Africa attended the exercise as observers, signalling recognition of the drill's objectives.
The joint naval drills between China, Iran, and Russia highlight their commitment to enhancing maritime security through cooperation and regular exercises, without targeting any specific country or conflict.
RPF Leads in Female Personnel among Central Paramilitary Forces
In a stride towards gender equality and inclusivity, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) emerged as a frontrunner among central paramilitary forces in terms of female representation. This achievement marks a notable departure from the traditional male-dominated landscape within such organisations.
With women now constituting a remarkable 10 per cent of its personnel, the RPF has set a new benchmark in gender diversity within central paramilitary forces. According to RPF Director General Arun Kumar, this milestone reflects the result of strategic recruitment drives and a concerted effort towards fostering inclusivity within the force.
The surge in female representation within the RPF can be attributed to strategic recruitment initiatives undertaken by the force.
Mar 14, 2024
Indian Navy at Exercise Cutlass Express 2024
The Indian Navy took part in a major maritime exercise called Exercise Cutlass Express – 24 (CE-24). This exercise was held in Port Victoria, Seychelles.
The Indian Navy was represented by the ship INS Tir, which is the lead ship of the First Training Squadron. INS Tir was led by Senior Officer, First Training Squadron, Capt Anshul Kishore.
The exercise was inaugurated by the President of Seychelles, Wavel Ramkalawan, in the presence of dignitaries from India, USA, and African countries.
Exercise Cutlass Express is a multinational maritime exercise sponsored by the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet.
The main goal of this exercise is to promote maritime security and cooperation in the strategic waters of the East African coast and the Western Indian Ocean.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnessed the Bharat Shakti exercise, showcasing the prowess of indigenously manufactured defence equipment across the three services at the Pokhran firing range in Rajasthan.
Prime Minister Modi emphasised the importance of reducing dependence on others to develop a self-reliant India.
'Bharat Shakti' demonstrated the prowess of indigenously manufactured defence equipment of the three services.
Mar 12, 2024
India - U.S. Maritime Security Exercise 'Sea Defenders-2024' Culminates at Port Blair
The comprehensive maritime security exercise 'Sea Defenders-2024' between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) & United States Coast Guard (USCG) culminated at Port Blair. The exercise was aimed at enhancing maritime cooperation and interoperability between the two forces.
The Exercise included a variety of scenarios including a Pollution Response Demonstration, in which Indian Coast Guard ships and aircraft showcased their expertise in responding to oil spills and other environmental hazards at sea. It also simulated Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) Operations for inspecting vessels suspected of illegal activity.
During the exercise, the Indian Coast Guard helicopter and Dornier aircraft conducted Search & Rescue and Pollution Response demonstrations, showcasing ICG's ability to undertake aerial surveillance and rescue missions. The exercise also included practice to neutralize asymmetric threats, akin to drone attacks on commercial merchant traffic. The exercise also provided a platform for both USCG and ICG personnel to hone their fire fighting and damage control skills through a simulated scenario, where DCFF teams showcased capabilities to combat shipboard emergencies.
India Remains World's Largest Arms Importer, Russia its Top Supplier
India remains the world's top arms importer and its imports increased by 4.7 per cent between 2014-2018 and 2019-2023, according to Swedish think tank SIPRI in a new report. Russia continued as India's main arms supplier, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) said, adding around 55 per cent of arms imports by European states in 2019-23 were supplied by the US, up from 35 per cent in 2014-18.
Although Russia remained India's main arms supplier (accounting for 36 per cent of its arms imports), this was the first five-year period since 1960-64 when deliveries from Russia (or the Soviet Union before 1991) made up less than half of India's arms imports.
Mar 10, 2024
US Coast Guard Ship Bertholf visits Port Blair for joint exercise Sea Defenders-2024 with Indian ...
The US Coast Guard Bertholf ship arrived in Port Blair for the 'Sea Defenders-2024' joint exercise with the Indian Coast Guard. Set off the coast of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the two-day event focuses on maritime piracy, simulated drone attacks, search and rescue operations, firefighting, pollution response, and counter-drug exercises.
Emphasizing international cooperation, the exercise underscores the partnership between the Indian and US Coast Guards, showcasing readiness for emergencies like medical evacuations.
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