Naval exercise by India and the EU
On October 24, 2023, the EU and India conducted their first joint naval exercise in the Gulf of Guinea.
The exercise, called VARUNA-GUINEA, was aimed at reinforcing naval maritime security cooperation in support of the region.
The exercise involved ships from three EU member states (France, Spain, and Italy) and the Indian Navy.
The ships conducted a variety of exercises, including tactical maneuvers, boarding exercises, and knowledge sharing sessions.
The exercise also demonstrates the shared commitment of the EU and India to ensuring maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
This region that is increasingly facing maritime security challenges, such as piracy and armed robbery at sea.
The exercise is also a sign of the growing strategic relationship between the EU and India.
The two sides have been cooperating more closely on a range of issues, including maritime security, trade, and investment.
Gulf of Guinea
The Gulf of Guinea is the north eastern most part of the tropical Atlantic Ocean.
From Cape Lopez in Gabon, north and west to Cape Palmas in Liberia.
It covers an area of about 2.35 million square kilometers.
The Gulf of Guinea is home to important maritime shipping routes, as well as rich natural resources, including oil, gas, and minerals.
It is also a region of great biodiversity, with a wide range of marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
The Gulf of Guinea is facing challenges, including maritime insecurity, climate change, and pollution.
INS Sumedha
INS Sumedha is a Saryu-class naval offshore patrol vessel (NOPV) of the Indian Navy.
It was commissioned on 16 December 2022.
INS Sumedha is the third ship of the Saryu class,
Saryu class is a series of indigenously designed and manufactured NOPVs.
Its a versatile ship that can be deployed for a variety of roles,
Maritime security and surveillance
Offshore patrol
Search and rescue
Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief
INS Sumedha
This vessal is equipped with a variety of sensors and weapons,
76 mm gun
Two 30 mm guns
Missile launcher
Helicopter deck
Variety of electronic warfare systems
INS Sumedha is a valuable asset to the Indian Navy and plays an important role in safeguarding India's maritime interests.
What is Saryu Class
All four ships of the Saryu class were built by Goa Shipyard Limited in India.They were commissioned into the Indian Navy between 2013 and 2022.
The Saryu-class ships are versatile vessels that can be deployed for a variety of roles, including maritime security and surveillance, offshore patrol, search and rescue, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
Other Ships under Saryu Class.
INS Saryu (P54) , INS Sumedha (P58)
INS Sumitra (P59), INS Sunayna (P57)
INS Sarayu
INS Sumithra
What is Saryu Class
They are also equipped to undertake anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare operations.
ITS Foscari
FS Ventose
INS Sunanya
Tornado
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