INDIAN NAVY’S HYDROGRAPHIC SURVEY
- The Indian Navy’s INS Sarvekshak, a hydrographic survey vessel, has successfully completed the final phase of a significant survey operation in Mauritius, covering 25,000 square nautical miles of its maritime territory.
- The survey’s final report, including newly prepared nautical charts and survey equipment, was formally handed over to the President of Mauritius, Dharambeer Gokhool, by the Indian High Commissioner to Mauritius, during a formal ceremony on January 23, 2025.
- This initiative is part of India’s strategy to boost its defence exports and assist littoral states (countries bordering the ocean) in strengthening their maritime capabilities.
- India’s efforts also include capacity building in coastal security, maritime surveillance, and resource management in the region.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SURVEY
- The completion of the hydrographic survey holds great strategic and practical importance for Mauritius.
- The newly developed nautical charts will aid in:
- The development of maritime infrastructure.
- Resource management for marine resources.
- Coastal development planning for sustainable growth.
- This survey is an extension of India’s ongoing efforts to promote maritime development and enhance regional cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.
INDIA MAURITIUS BILATERAL RELATIONS
- The hydrographic survey is a significant reflection of the strong maritime cooperation between India and Mauritius.
- This strengthens their enduring partnership, particularly in the fields of:
- Maritime security and regional stability.
- Capacity building and knowledge sharing in oceanography and marine technology.
- Indian Navy’s Role: The Indian Navy regularly conducts hydrographic surveys in the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of friendly nations.
- Over the past 5 years, India has carried out joint survey operations covering 89,000 sq. km and produced 96 charts, underlining its commitment to maritime cooperation in the region.
- The survey is part of India’s broader strategy under the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative, aimed at enhancing maritime security and promoting economic growth in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
DEFENCE & SECURITY COOPERATION
- India and Mauritius share an extensive and deepening defence cooperation, which includes joint training, exchange of knowledge, and technical assistance.
- Mauritius has an International Liaison Officer at India’s Information Fusion Centre for Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), based in Gurugram, India.
- Mauritius is also equipped with radar centers as part of India’s coastal radar surveillance system.
- Mauritius Police Force operates Indian-made defense equipment, such as Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH)-MkIII and a Dornier Do-228 aircraft, both supplied by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
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