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India Strengthens Mozambique Ties with Donation of Interceptor Vessels
In a significant gesture reinforcing India’s ties with Mozambique, the Indian government has donated two fast interceptor vessels to the African nation.
These vessels, part of India’s strategic focus on enhancing security in the Indian Ocean Region, were handed over on November 8 in a ceremony held at Nacala, Mozambique.
Indian Navy Delivers High-Speed Vessels to Mozambique
The vessels, delivered by INS Gharial, an amphibious warfare ship of the Indian Navy, were formally accepted by Augusto Casimiro Mueio, Mozambique’s Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of National Defence. The event was attended by several Indian dignitaries, including High Commissioner Robert Shetkintong and Commander Rajan Chib of INS Gharial.
Equipped with machine guns and bullet-resistant cabins, the donated Solas Marine vessels can reach speeds of up to 45 knots and cover 200 nautical miles at 12 knots, making them ideal for rapid response operations. Their primary purpose is to support Mozambique in countering maritime threats, including terrorism and insurgencies, particularly in the conflict-affected Cabo Delgado region.
Long-standing Strategic Partnership Between India and Mozambique
India has a history of bolstering Mozambique’s maritime security. In July 2019, India donated two 30-meter interceptor vessels, followed by two more high-speed crafts in January 2022. Indian Coast Guard personnel have also provided extensive training to Mozambique’s forces, enhancing operational capabilities and enabling Mozambique to conduct anti-insurgency operations, patrols, and other security missions.
“The Indian Navy has consistently supported friendly Indian Ocean nations in addressing challenges such as piracy, drug trafficking, illegal fishing, and maritime terrorism,” stated the Indian government, highlighting India’s role as a reliable partner in regional security.
Expanding Defense Cooperation and Regional Engagement
India’s commitment to its neighbors is further evidenced by past aid efforts, such as the humanitarian mission during Cyclone Idai in 2019 and vaccine donations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The recent handover of interceptor vessels aligns with India’s broader vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), as advocated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In recent years, India and Mozambique have expanded their defense cooperation, conducting joint exercises like the India-Mozambique-Tanzania (IMT) Tri-Lateral Exercise. In March 2024, Indian Naval Ships INS Tir and INS Sujata participated in the second edition of this exercise to enhance coordination with the Mozambican and Tanzanian navies.
This growing relationship between India and Mozambique underscores India’s commitment to fostering peace and security in the Indian Ocean Region and strengthening defense ties with African nations. The recent donation of interceptor vessels further cements this partnership, ensuring Mozambique’s increased capacity for maritime security and resilience against regional threats.
