India bringing Maldives into its security net

[Screaming Skull]

India bringing Maldives into its security net

Thursday , Aug 13, 2009

When Defence Minister A K Antony visits Maldives later this month, he will start the process to bring the island country into India’s security grid. The move comes after the moderate Islamic nation approached New Delhi earlier this year over fears that one of its island resorts could be taken over by terrorists given its lack of military assets and surveillance capabilities.

Antony, who is expected to visit Maldives on August 22, will be accompanied by senior Navy officers who will share India’s experience of handling security in the Andaman Nicobar islands chain.

• India will permanently base two helicopters in the country to enhance its surveillance capabilities and ability to respond swiftly to threats. One helicopter from the Coast Guard is likely to be handed over during Antony’s visit while another from the Navy will be cleared for transfer shortly.

• Maldives has coastal radars on only two of its 26 atolls. India will help set up radars on all 26 for seamless coverage of approaching vessels and aircraft.

• The coastal radar chain in Maldives will be networked with the Indian coastal radar system. India has already undertaken a project to install radars along its entire coastline. The radar chains of the two countries will be interlinked and a central control room in India’s Coastal Command will get a seamless radar picture.

• The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) will carry out regular Dornier sorties over the island nation to look out for suspicious movements or vessels. n The Southern Naval Command will overlook the inclusion of Maldives into the Indian security grid.

• Military teams from Maldives will visit the tri-services Andaman Nicobar Command (ANC) to observe how India manages security and surveillance of the critical island chain.

While the Maldives government had expressed keen interest in joining the Indian security grid during talks between top political leaders, the proposal took off after a low-key visit to the island nation on June 30 by National Security Advisor M K Narayanan and the then Defence and Foreign Secretaries Vijay Singh and Shivshankar Menon.

While the two countries already have a security cooperation agreement against sea-borne terrorism and piracy, the framework of a detailed agreement to include Maldives into the Indian coastal security grid was drawn up during the visit. It will be an exclusive security arrangement with India and the island nation will not approach other regional countries for similar agreements.

Sources said that the decision was triggered largely by fears of a hostage crisis in Maldives whose economy is driven largely by tourism. The worst threat scenario drawn up by the Maldives government was the takeover of a remote island resort by a terrorist group.

In the past, the Indian Navy has transferred a fast attack craft to the island nation. The INS Tillanchang was gifted to the country in 2006 by the then Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee. Besides, a large number of officers of the armed forces of the island nation are given training in various officers training academies in India.

The Indian Army also conducts a joint exercise ‘Ekueuvrin’ with the Maldivian National Defence Forces on counter-terrorism while the Indian Coast Guard conducts an exercise on maritime rescue operations and patrolling of seas around Maldives called ‘Dosti’.

In 1988, India helped foil a coup attempt being assisted by Tamil rebels after it launched Operation Cactus on receiving a distress message from the then President, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.

India bringing Maldives into its security net

[xebex]

Its good to hear that nations are approaching India for security shield.

[graphican]

The game of choosing friends and foe has started. It might be in the interest of Maldives to go under Indian Umbrella but India has his "own" reasons too. China is trying to increase its influence in the countries near India like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and that means who ever is in support of China is a potential threat to India. India would not want Maldives to be the next proxy of China so it brought Maldives under its security umbrella. I see more countries would come under Indian umbrella in near future as Indian would not want to let them go under somebody else' care.

[Screaming Skull]

Originally Posted by graphican

The game of choosing friends and foe has started. It might be in the interest of Maldives to go under Indian Umbrella but India has his "own" reasons too. China is trying to increase its influence in the countries near India like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and that means who ever is in support of China is a potential threat to India. India would not want Maldives to be the next proxy of China so it brought Maldives under its security umbrella. I see more countries would come under Indian umbrella in near future as Indian would not want to let them go under somebody else' care.

India and Maldives have shared a good relationship all the while. Even the article mentions about the 1988 coup attempt which was foiled by the IN through operation cactus.

Operation Cactus

The key role which the Indian Navy has come to play in the waters of the region found vivid expression in Operation Cactus. The mission of the Indian armed forces was to deal with the mercenaries who sought to overthrow the democratically elected Government of the Maldives on 03 November 1988.

Within hours of the cabinet decision to respond to President Abdul Gayoom's appeal for military assistance, a maritime reconnaissance aircraft of the Navy was over the islands, while the Army and the Air Force were in the process of inducting troops to put down the attempted coup.

The landing of Indian troops that night forced the mercenaries to adopt a new strategy. They commandeered a merchant vessel, Progress Light, and taking with them a number of hostages, including the Maldivian Transport Minister and his wife, they set sail to Colombo.

It was their intention to conduct negotiations in the glare of international publicity in Sri Lanka, but President Jaywardene would have none of it. A high-tension drama on the ocean followed.

The Navy had diverted suitable ships to the Islands and the interception of Progress Light assumed paramount importance. The merchant ship was spotted by a maritime reconnaissance aircraft on the morning of 04 November, whereupon IN ships Godavari and Betwa sped to the scene to bring the rebels to book.

It was a thorny mission, as the name implies. The safety of the hostages had to be the foremost consideration at all times. A negotiating team sent by the Maldivian Government was embarked on Godavari, but it failed to work out an acceptable solution.

The personnel of Godavari then took over; when psychological pressure did not succeed, warning shots were fired by both the naval ships. The graduated use of force finally compelled the rebels to surrender on 06 November.

The injured hostages were transferred to a hospital in Trivandrum, and the mercenaries were taken into custody aboard the Indian ships. Godavari and Betwa sailed into Male anchorage to a tumultuous welcome two days later. The miscreants were handed over to the appropriate authorities.

The effective combination of naval ships and aircraft and the mature handling of the situation defused a potentially explosive event. A point had been proved; terrorism at sea in the Indian Ocean region had been swiftly contained.

[Spitfighter]

Good news. China needs to be kept out of the Indian ocean.

Also, Sri Lanka will never move into the Chinese camp. Investments aside, the Chinese can forget about berthing rights for their Naval vessels.

Bangladesh also has a similar situation. Chinese ships have no business in the Bay of Bengal, India (and now even the US) would see any such move as extremely provocative and would work quickly to counter it.

[xebex]

Originally Posted by graphican

The game of choosing friends and foe has started. It might be in the interest of Maldives to go under Indian Umbrella but India has his "own" reasons too. China is trying to increase its influence in the countries near India like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and that means who ever is in support of China is a potential threat to India. India would not want Maldives to be the next proxy of China so it brought Maldives under its security umbrella. I see more countries would come under Indian umbrella in near future as Indian would not want to let them go under somebody else' care.

people should stop viewing every movement of India from the goggles of Indo-China race. If the Maldives ask for India's help we will help them no matter what and it does make sense as long as the island nation's history and location is concerned. Afterall, people call India "regional power" for a reason.

[DesiGuy]

Originally Posted by Screaming Skull

India bringing Maldives into its security net

Thursday , Aug 13, 2009

When Defence Minister A K Antony visits Maldives later this month, he will start the process to bring the island country into India’s security grid. The move comes after the moderate Islamic nation approached New Delhi earlier this year over fears that one of its island resorts could be taken over by terrorists given its lack of military assets and surveillance capabilities.

Antony, who is expected to visit Maldives on August 22, will be accompanied by senior Navy officers who will share India’s experience of handling security in the Andaman Nicobar islands chain.

• India will permanently base two helicopters in the country to enhance its surveillance capabilities and ability to respond swiftly to threats. One helicopter from the Coast Guard is likely to be handed over during Antony’s visit while another from the Navy will be cleared for transfer shortly.

• Maldives has coastal radars on only two of its 26 atolls. India will help set up radars on all 26 for seamless coverage of approaching vessels and aircraft.

• The coastal radar chain in Maldives will be networked with the Indian coastal radar system. India has already undertaken a project to install radars along its entire coastline. The radar chains of the two countries will be interlinked and a central control room in India’s Coastal Command will get a seamless radar picture.

• The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) will carry out regular Dornier sorties over the island nation to look out for suspicious movements or vessels. n The Southern Naval Command will overlook the inclusion of Maldives into the Indian security grid.

• Military teams from Maldives will visit the tri-services Andaman Nicobar Command (ANC) to observe how India manages security and surveillance of the critical island chain.

While the Maldives government had expressed keen interest in joining the Indian security grid during talks between top political leaders, the proposal took off after a low-key visit to the island nation on June 30 by National Security Advisor M K Narayanan and the then Defence and Foreign Secretaries Vijay Singh and Shivshankar Menon.

While the two countries already have a security cooperation agreement against sea-borne terrorism and piracy, the framework of a detailed agreement to include Maldives into the Indian coastal security grid was drawn up during the visit. It will be an exclusive security arrangement with India and the island nation will not approach other regional countries for similar agreements.

Sources said that the decision was triggered largely by fears of a hostage crisis in Maldives whose economy is driven largely by tourism. The worst threat scenario drawn up by the Maldives government was the takeover of a remote island resort by a terrorist group.

In the past, the Indian Navy has transferred a fast attack craft to the island nation. The INS Tillanchang was gifted to the country in 2006 by the then Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee. Besides, a large number of officers of the armed forces of the island nation are given training in various officers training academies in India.

The Indian Army also conducts a joint exercise ‘Ekueuvrin’ with the Maldivian National Defence Forces on counter-terrorism while the Indian Coast Guard conducts an exercise on maritime rescue operations and patrolling of seas around Maldives called ‘Dosti’.

In 1988, India helped foil a coup attempt being assisted by Tamil rebels after it launched Operation Cactus on receiving a distress message from the then President, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.

India bringing Maldives into its security net

I think within 4 , 5 years, India Should dominate completely Indian ocean with their Navy, that not only china , but the US navy should also:ask India, in case of any help.

NO outside navy in the Indian ocean, espically near India.

[SinoIndusFriendship]

That area of the Ocean is called "Indian Sea", but it doesn't mean India "owns" it. Basically, it is a matter of respect not to go too close to their shores (especially if it is a navy boat) -- but that does not mean they "own" the entire sea.

You will notice a lack of Chinese and Pakistani "protesters"..... that's because we RESPECT other nations sovereignty.

[third eye]

Originally Posted by graphican

The game of choosing friends and foe has started. It might be in the interest of Maldives to go under Indian Umbrella but India has his "own" reasons too. China is trying to increase its influence in the countries near India like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and that means who ever is in support of China is a potential threat to India. India would not want Maldives to be the next proxy of China so it brought Maldives under its security umbrella. I see more countries would come under Indian umbrella in near future as Indian would not want to let them go under somebody else' care.

.... and why not ?

[Brahm0s]

Chinese naval chief met american naval chief and proposed some idea. He told america lets controll indian ocean together and keep india away. Next day american naval chief met our indian naval chief and told what china said. Lol. Indian navy and american navy than 'shake hand' with each other and 'vow' to work together. Poor china. Keeps talking behind india and pretending as if its a 'saint'. Even in nuclear deal it was china who wrote letters to tiny miny little countries to appose N-deal. In the end we got what we wanted lol. This red dragon aint got gutts. He keep talking behind india's back like little girl.

[Brahm0s]

China's 70 to 80percent energy resourses goes through indian ocean. Our aircraft carrier guards indian ocean and most of import and exports. No wonder why china want to come in indian ocean. Indian navy allready gave the 'hint' what happens when china enters in india ocean (submarine follows). This time it might be nuclear submarine who dont need to pop up for fresh air. Lol.

[Brahm0s]

Originally Posted by SinoIndusFriendship

Why do Hindus tend to lie constantly? I noticed this is not isolated incident, but they make up fake stories to defame others. Sorry but it was USA that was opposed to nuke deal (only later to "sign" a 1-2-3.... by the way, after over a decade of "negotiations" have any foundation on any plants started? ). And this whole "control Indian Ocean" thing.... yeah, from Times of India again (notorious for making up gossip).

By the way, gossiping behind people's backs are what little girls and old ladies do.

Oh jesus christ. It was america who opposed nuclear deal and not china? Lol. Friend did you woke up today itself? Prove it wasnt china and it was america. Hey friends please provide sinoindusfriendship a link (or LINKS) to update him who opposed N-deal at the last moment. Thank you.

[SinoIndusFriendship]

Originally Posted by Brahm0s

Oh jesus christ. It was america who opposed nuclear deal and not china? Lol. Friend did you woke up today itself? Prove it wasnt china and it was america. Hey friends please provide sinoindusfriendship a link (or LINKS) to update him who opposed N-deal at the last moment. Thank you.

China ACTUALLY SUPPORTED the deal. It was small nations part of NSG that was opposed. You talk about "censorship" but fail to realize you've been duped. Really, everyone knew the US would screw you out of IPI pipeline and move you away from Iran/Pak just for the "promise" of a nuke deal.

At first I was shocked to see why China would support it, now I realized it would make little difference since India+China aren't true enemies. No matter how ridiculous it gets that is the reality. Knowing who your TRUE friends and TRUE enemies is essential.

[dvk1982]

Originally Posted by SinoIndusFriendship

Why do Hindus tend to lie constantly? I noticed this is not isolated incident, but they make up fake stories to defame others. Sorry but it was USA that was opposed to nuke deal (only later to "sign" a 1-2-3.... by the way, after over a decade of "negotiations" have any foundation on any plants started? ). And this whole "control Indian Ocean" thing.... yeah, from Times of India again (notorious for making up gossip).

By the way, gossiping behind people's backs are what little girls and old ladies do.

for one time, i wud say nothing wrong in what China did, even if it tried to create last minute probs for Indo-US deal becoz thats what competing countries do, Its not just abt new nuclear plants, its also abt access to new technology, Fuel, and more nuclear plants... becoz of this deal deal cud go ahed with other nuclear deals with France and Russia and Canada... not to mention 2 locations have already been finalized for US plants in India when Henry clinton visited India last month.

Now coming back to the deal, China was never vocally against the deal, but yes it did get some support from unexpected corners , tiny Euorpean countires and New Zealand, and since evry vote was important for clearing the deal, and the Chinese insistence on having a through discussion even if it were to meet again (which was critical as Bush was in his last leg and u never want to leave these things for next govt.) raised a few eyebrows...

[aimarraul]

Originally Posted by Brahm0s

China's 70 to 80percent energy resourses goes through indian ocean. Our aircraft carrier guards indian ocean and most of import and exports. No wonder why china want to come in indian ocean. Indian navy allready gave the 'hint' what happens when china enters in india ocean (submarine follows). This time it might be nuclear submarine who dont need to pop up for fresh air. Lol.

one 50years old AC is able to guards indian ocean and most of import and exports? our 50% oil have to go through indian ocean ,but just one daqing oilfield can take care of military needs if someone try to cut our energy resourses in middle east,CN come to indian ocean because we are able to protect our international interest like the export you mentioned,indian ocean is the high seas, not someone's swimming pool