Indo-Pacific Outreach: India Conducts Maiden Joint Naval Patrolling with Madagascar

In a first, the navies of India and Madagascar undertook joint patrolling of Madagascar’s EEZ on Wednesday as New Delhi sought to expand its defence footprints in the Western Indian Ocean where it has been a traditional net security provider.

Indian Navy’s INS Shardul and Malagasy Naval Ship Trozona undertook Joint Patrol of Madagascar’s Exclusive Economic Zone and participated in PASSEX. This outreach is part of India’s efforts to establish stability in the Indo-Pacific region. China has been eyeing to widen its presence in the Western Indian Ocean.

The first ever Joint Patrol between the navies of India and Madagascar reflect the growing defence ties between the two Indian Ocean neighbours aimed at the common objective of ensuring maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region, officials said.

A 4-member delegation led by Major General Léon Jean Richard RAKOTONIRINA, Minister of National Defence of Madagascar had visited India from February 3-5 to participate in the Aero India 2021 and IOR Defence Ministers Conclave at Bengaluru.

Indian Naval Ship Shardul had arrived at port of Antsiranana, Madagascar on March 21 for Overseas Deployment of training squadron headed by Captain Aftab Ahmed Khan.

Owing to prevailing Covid 19 situation, the port call was conducted through virtual conferences with officials of Madagascar Armed Forces on March 23rd.

India remains committed to further strengthening its partnership with Madagascar that aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region) for the Indian Ocean Region, officials explained.

Source: ET