Towards its goal of a secure Indian Ocean, the Indian Government, in a significant attempt, handed over two Fast Interceptor Crafts (FICs) to the Government of Mozambique. This is a big step in reinforcing the maritime security and supporting counter-insurgency efforts in the region. The handover was completed on November 8th at the Nacala Port, thus marking India’s active role in strengthening ties with allies in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
The vessels were carried on the Navy’s amphibious warfare ship “INS Gharial” and are part of India’s commitment to building partnerships with the IOR nations. The handover ceremony was witnessed by key dignitaries, such as India’s High Commissioner to Mozambique, Shri Robert Shetkintong, India’s Defense Adviser in Maputo, Colonel Puneet Attri, and Commander Rajan Chib, the CO of INS Gharial. From Mozambique, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of National Defence, Mr. Augusto Casimiro Mueio was in attendance, who also accepted the crafts on behalf of the Mozambican government.
Fast Interceptor Crafts Vital For Mozambique’s Maritime Security
The FICs are designed to operate in shallow waters and are laced with cutting-edge technology to address the unique demands of maritime defense. They are each powered by a water-jet propulsion, capable of achieving a top speed of 45 knots, and can operate at a range of 200 nautical miles at 12 knots. Furthermore, the Interceptor Crafts can house a crew of 5 and are equipped with machine guns and bulletproof cabins. These newer FICs are fully capable of combating maritime terrorism, pirate action, illegal smuggling, and any insurgency, thus suitable for Mozambique’s unique environment.
The recent handover is a continuation of India’s previous attempt to help Mozambique where it provided the country with two Large Interceptor vessels, followed by two additional FICs in 2019 and 2022, respectively.
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India’s Expanding Role in Indian Ocean Maritime Security
India has always been working towards being recognized as a preferred partner for IOR nations. The Indian Navy strives to actively collaborate with any willing ally to strengthen its naval capabilities against maritime threats such as piracy, drug and human trafficking, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and any form of insurgency. This is in accordance with the SAGAR initiative, heralded by PM Narendra Modi.
To support the vision of the Prime Minister, Indian naval vessels are frequently involved in joint operations, provide humanitarian aid, and participate in numerous training exercises. This also aims to cement India’s position as a “First Responder” during any natural disaster and emergency, such as a pandemic. For instance, the Indian Naval Ships: Sujata, Shardul, and the Coast Guard Ship Sarathi were providing critical assistance to Mozambique in March 2019, after the region was devastated by Cyclone Idai. The Indian Navy was instrumental in rescuing over 200 citizens and providing medical aid to over 2300 individuals, while also delivering more than 10 tons of essential supplies to the flood-strict region.
Supporting Health and Capacity-Building in Mozambique
Other than military aid, the Indian Government has also been dedicated to Mozambique’s health and capacity-building. During COVID-19, the nation provided over 1.1 million doses of the COVISHIELD vaccine to Mozambique as part of the COVAX program.
Furthermore, in November 2023, the country also gifted an “Infantry Weapons Training Simulator” to the Mozambique Armed Forces. It was soon followed by the stationing of the Indian Coast Guard’s Afloat Support Team in Maputo, that currently provides on-site training for the operation and maintenance of Indian-gifted vessels thus ensuring Mozambique’s continued ability to deploy these vessels efficiently.
Bilateral Maritime Exercises For A Growing Strategic Partnership
Over the years, the diplomatic and military relationship between India and Mozambique has seen significant growth. Regular bilateral and multilateral exercises are conducted to further strengthen this strategic partnership. Just last year in March, the Indian Naval Ships Tir and Sujata participated in the second India-Mozambique-Tanzania (IMT) Trilateral Exercise. Even before this, the Indian Naval Ships: Sujata, Sunayna, and Sumedha also conducted a Joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Surveillance, in collaboration with the Mozambique Navy to promote security cooperation.
