Maritime Security

Indian Coast Guard commissions FPV Achal to boost maritime security

Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) 'Achal' on Saturday was commissioned into the Indian Coast Guard, bolstering the maritime force's operational capabilities, officials said. 'Achal' is the fifth one in a series of eight FPVs being constructed by Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) for the coast guard. The new-generation Adamya-class fast patrol vessel was commissioned into the ICG at Goa Shipyard Limited, marking a "significant capability enhancement", a spokesperson of the force said. The ship was formally commissioned into service by A Anbarasu, additional secretary and director general (acquisition), in the defence ministry, in the presence of Inspector General Tekur Sashi Kumar, Commander Coast Guard Region (North West), senior officials of the central and state governments, and representatives from the GSL. The ship will be stationed at Vadinar, Gujarat, operating under the administrative and operational control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (North West), the spokesperson said. The vessel w

Great Nicobar Project: Why it matters and what are the concerns around it

Rahul Gandhi's remarks have reignited debate over the Great Nicobar Project, with the Centre highlighting strategic and economic gains while the Oppositoin warn of ecological and tribal risks

Private insurers step up commitment to India's new maritime insurance pool

In less than a fortnight of its announcement, private insurers have already committed Rs 1,100 crore to the pool; plans are also afoot to set up an Indian Protection & Indemnity Club

Indian seafarers safe after Iran firing in the Strait of Hormuz: Govt

Government confirms safety of 22 Indian seafarers after Iranian forces fired on foreign vessels in the Strait of Hormuz; Indian tanker Desh Garima reaches Mumbai

War-risk premiums surge: Can ₹12,980 cr maritime pool steady trade costs?

War-risk premiums have surged sharply, raising shipping costs. India's ₹12,980 crore Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool aims to stabilise coverage, but whether it can make trade cheaper remains uncertain

Navy was minutes away from striking Pak: Admiral Tripathi on Op Sindoor

The Indian Navy was minutes away from striking Pakistan from the sea during Operation Sindoor when Islamabad requested stoppage of kinetic actions, Navy chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi said on Wednesday. The Navy chief was speaking at the naval investiture ceremony here, where he awarded Yudh Seva Medals to two top naval officers for their distinguished service during Operation Sindoor conducted last year after the Pahalgam terror attack. Operation Sindoor demonstrated exemplary readiness and resolve of the Indian Navy, as its units undertook swift deployment and maintained a highly aggressive posture throughout the period, he said. "It is not a hidden fact anymore that we were just minutes away from striking Pakistan from the sea, when they requested stoppage of kinetic actions," Admiral Tripathi said on the navy's role in the operation. Through swift and resolute actions during Operation Sindoor, the Indian Navy reinforced the nation's confidence and trust in its capabilities, he

Targeting shipping, endangering civilian crews unacceptable: India at IMO

India warns against attacks on commercial ships at IMO meet, calls for restraint and dialogue and raises concerns over safety of seafarers and risks to global trade routes

'Premature to say anything': MEA on Iran allowing ships via Hormuz

The statement came hours after reports emerged that Iran agreed to allow oil tankers flying the Indian flag to pass through the Strait following diplomatic discussions between New Delhi and Tehran

Panama moves to occupy canal ports after court scraps CK Hutchison deal

The occupation applies to movable equipment at the ports and 'does not imply the definitive loss of ownership rights,' Panamanian President Mulino said

India re-elected to Int'l Maritime Organisation Council with highest vote

India has been re-elected to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council with the highest vote in its category at elections held at its Assembly in London for the 2025-26 biennium. India's election in Category B on Friday falls under the collection of 10 states with the largest interest in international seaborne trade, alongside Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The newly elected Council will meet for its 136th session on December 4 and will elect its Chair and Vice-Chair for the next biennium, the IMO said. India re-elected to the IMO Council securing the highest vote in Category B with 154 votes, the Indian High Commission in London announced following the vote. We thank our partners for putting their trust in India, and pledge to continue to work for the global maritime sector, the mission stated. The IMO is the premier body that oversees the world's maritime sector, which in turn underpins .

Indian Coast Guard seizes 3 Bangladeshi boats, 79 crew for illegal fishing

All three boats and their crew members were handed over to the West Bengal Marine Police in Frazerganj for further legal action

India's maritime strength linking Indo-Pacific and Global South: Amit Shah

Shah emphasized India's maritime strength and strategic location, inviting global investors to tap into the sector's vast potential

India, Australia to deepen info sharing, maritime ties during Rajnath visit

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to begin two-day official visit to Australia on Thursday

Cabinet clears ₹69,725 cr package to boost shipbuilding, maritime sector

Union Cabinet approves ₹69,725 crore maritime reforms package to build shipyards, expand clusters, provide long-term funding and strengthen India's shipbuilding capacity

Navy's role goes beyond guarding to economic security, says Rajnath Singh

The role of Navy is not limited to the protection of the sea, but it is also a major pillar of the economic security as Indian energy requirements such as oil, natural gas depend on the security of the region to a great extent, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Tuesday. On the Pahalgam terror attack in which Indian tourists were killed, the Defence minister said the country gave an effective and precise response through 'Operation Sindoor,' a cross-border military offensive targeting terror havens in Pakistan. After commissioning two multi-mission stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, here at the Eastern Naval Command, Singh said India never believes in aggressive expansionism and that the whole world knows that it never attacked any country first. However, when there is an attack on its security, India knows how to respond. "The geo-strategic situation here is such that it also has the ability to directly influence our economic development. Our energy requirements,

India, US meet on maritime diplomacy ahead of crucial net-zero vote

India's Directorate General of Shipping meets a US delegation to advance maritime talks on green shipping and security, with no discussion on the US threat over the IMO's net-zero emissions vote

Govt raises Maritime Development Fund to ₹70,000 cr to spur shipbuilding

Centre raises Maritime Development Fund to ₹70,000 crore to boost shipbuilding, repair, shipping tonnage, and port infrastructure; Cabinet approval awaited

Navies of India, Singapore conclude maritime bilateral exercise SIMBEX

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Indian Navy have completed their annual Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) that was held from July 28 to August 1. This year's exercise comprised a shore phase held at RSS Singapura-Changi Naval Base, followed by a sea phase held in the southern reaches of the South China Sea. The sea phase involved ships from both navies and aircraft from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), the Defence Ministry here said. The RSN deployed a Formidable-class frigate, RSS Supreme, and a Victory-class missile corvette, RSS Vigilance, supported by MV Mentor. The Indian Navy participated with a Shivalik-class frigate, INS Satpura. An S70B naval helicopter, two Fokker-50 maritime patrol aircraft and two F-15SG fighter aircraft from the RSAF also participated in the exercise. During the shore phase, both navies participated in joint planning, simulator training, professional exchanges and sports. At the Subject Matter Expert Exchanges,

India seeks re-election to IMO Council, highlights maritime growth plans

India has presented its candidature for re-election to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council at the organisation's 134th session in London, where the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways highlighted key aspects of maritime safety and gender inclusivity. At a special India-themed reception at the IMO Headquarters on Thursday evening, Ministry Secretary T K Ramachandran and Indian High Commissioner to the UK Vikram Doraiswami announced the decision to seek re-election in Category B of the Council. The election for the 2025-26 biennium will take place at the organisation's Assembly later this year and follows India's re-election with the highest tally back in December 2023. India embraces the philosophy of One Earth, One Family, One Future, and we bring this vision to life through fostering robust and collaborative maritime efforts, said Ramachandran in his address at the reception. Under our Vision 2047, we see maritime growth as a corner of global progress, and

Hidden Chinese vessel spotted 120 NM from Indian waters in Bay of Bengal

French firm Unseenlabs used radio frequency satellite surveillance to trace the covert Chinese vessel, which allegedly switched off its AIS near Indian maritime zones