Introduction:
Within the context of the ongoing Extended Operational Deployment to Africa, the Indian Naval Ship Sumedha arrived in Maputo, Mozambique, on November 21, 2023.
With the help of this key port call, the Indian and Mozambican navies hope to strengthen their long-standing diplomatic relations, improve their maritime cooperation, and increase their level of interoperability.
India’s commitment to developing its connections with Mozambique and the wider African area is demonstrated by the arrival of the Indian Navy ship Sumedha in Maputo to the capital city.
The goal of both countries is to not only strengthen their maritime cooperation but also to contribute to the overall stability and security of the region surrounding the Indian Ocean.
This will be accomplished through professional exchanges and activities that involve collaboration. This deployment is a prime example of the proactive role that the Indian Navy plays in fostering foreign partnerships and promoting peace and security across the oceans.
Purpose of the port call
The objective of the visit is to strengthen the historical linkages that exist between India and Mozambique, thereby laying a more solid groundwork for the establishment of diplomatic cooperation.
Through the implementation of a variety of actions that are planned, it also intends to strengthen maritime cooperation and promote interoperability.
Planned Activities
All of the following activities are planned to take place during the visit: professional exchanges, cross-deck visits, planning conferences, and surveillance of the Joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The visit is slated to take place from November 23 to November 25, 2023. These actions are absolutely necessary in order to improve the operational capabilities of both nations’ naval forces and develop their ability to coordinate with one another.
Both India and Mozambique have bilateral relations with one another.
Throughout their history, India and Mozambique have maintained cordial and amicable bilateral relations, which are founded on the principles of democracy, development, and secularism that they both hold dear.
A defining characteristic of the diplomatic ties that exist between the two nations is the frequency with which they engage in high-level exchanges and contacts that span a wide range of domains.
Cooperation in Defense that is Bilateral
Through the meetings of the Joint Defense Working Group (JDWG), the port call also provides an opportunity to advance the bilateral defense cooperation that is between the two countries.
The objective of the Indian Navy is to construct “bridges of friendship” and to develop international collaboration with friendly states. The regular deployment of Indian Naval ships overseas is in line with this mission.
Capabilities of the INS Sumedha
The Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command is in charge of the operations of the Indian Navy Ship Sumedha, which is a member of the Eastern Fleet and is headquartered in Visakhapatnam.
In addition to electronic warfare suits, the ship is outfitted with cutting-edge armament weapons, sensors, and navigation and communication systems that are at the cutting edge of technology.
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions, fleet support operations, coastal and offshore patrolling, ocean surveillance, and other types of activities are all part of its operational history.
