The Indian Coast guard (ICG) has allayed fears of a possible oil leak at the site of the MT New Diamond, 40 miles off the Sri Lankan Coast. The latest statement from the ICG says that a team of naval architects that boarded the oil tanker on Wednesday, has found the vessel’s stability to be in the safe zone and there is no breach of its tanks. In an improvement from the situation that persisted on Tuesday, there are currently no hotspots, flames/smoke on-board.&nbsp;

However, the rear portion of the vessel (aft) has sunken into the water by 1 metre, a slight increase from its earlier position of 3 feet. Efforts are underway to get the ship on even keel with the assistance of the salvors.

The Coast guard has also officially confirmed that the minor oil sheen sighted near aft (rear) of MT New Diamond on Tuesday, was part of the unburnt oil/ Oil mixed with water, in the ship’s engine room. This region of the ship had been spared from the explosion onboard on Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/oil-slick-near-mt-new-diamond-is-from-explosion-not-cargo-hold-sources-326255">WION had earlier reported</a> that the oil slick was from the explosion and not from the cargo hold.&nbsp;

In Pollution Response configuration, ICG Dornier aircraft sprayed Oil Spill Dispersant (OSD) to disintegrate the sheen on Tuesday and Wednesday. The ships were used to churn the waters to accelerate the disintegration of the oil sheen.

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“The three lakh metric tonnes cargo of Kuwait crude being carried by the vessel is intact, not a drop of it has leaked. Our ships are equipped and prepared to even contain and perform recovery operations even in the event of an unfortunate spill” Krishnaswamy Natarajan, Director General, Indian Coast Guard said. He expressed hope that the Coast guard would be able to recover the entire cargo and create maritime history, as they had done earlier in 2016, at the Gulf of Kutch.&nbsp;

Speaking of the challenges involved in the current operation he said that the ships and tugs are required to maintain a 10-15 meter distance from the burning vessel to remain safe, adding that the vessels had to simultaneously douse the fire and cool different parts of the ship.&nbsp;

“There is a breach on the port side of the superstructure and the hull and the crack on the deck above the waterline. However, these breaches are not causing any entry of seawater” DG, Coast Guard added.

Currently, 7 ICG vessels are on site to aid in the phase 2 operations in the recovery of MT new Diamond, as phase 1(fire-fighting) is said to have ended. ICG has been at the forefront of this operation since Thursday, September 3rd. 
&nbsp;

The Indian Coast guard (ICG) has allayed fears of a possible oil leak at the site of the MT New Diamond, 40 miles off the Sri Lankan Coast. The latest statement from the ICG says that a team of naval architects that boarded the oil tanker on Wednesday, has found the vessel’s stability to be in the safe zone and there is no breach of its tanks.

The Indian Coast guard (ICG) has allayed fears of a possible oil leak at the site of the MT New Diamond, 40 miles off the Sri Lankan Coast. The latest statement from the ICG says that a team of naval architects that boarded the oil tanker on Wednesday, has found the vessel’s stability to be in the safe zone and there is no breach of its tanks. In an improvement from the situation that persisted on Tuesday, there are currently no hotspots, flames/smoke on-board. However, the rear portion of the vessel (aft) has sunken into the water by 1 metre, a slight increase from its earlier position of 3 feet. Efforts are underway to get the ship on even keel with the assistance of the salvors. The Coast guard has also officially confirmed that the minor oil sheen sighted near aft (rear) of MT New Diamond on Tuesday, was part of the unburnt oil/ Oil mixed with water, in the ship’s engine room. This region of the ship had been spared from the explosion onboard on Monday. WION had earlier reported that the oil slick was from the explosion and not from the cargo hold. In Pollution Response configuration, ICG Dornier aircraft sprayed Oil Spill Dispersant (OSD) to disintegrate the sheen on Tuesday and Wednesday. The ships were used to churn the waters to accelerate the disintegration of the oil sheen. × “The three lakh metric tonnes cargo of Kuwait crude being carried by the vessel is intact, not a drop of it has leaked. Our ships are equipped and prepared to even contain and perform recovery operations even in the event of an unfortunate spill” Krishnaswamy Natarajan, Director General, Indian Coast Guard said. He expressed hope that the Coast guard would be able to recover the entire cargo and create maritime history, as they had done earlier in 2016, at the Gulf of Kutch. Speaking of the challenges involved in the current operation he said that the ships and tugs are required to maintain a 10-15 meter distance from the burning vessel to remain safe, adding that the vessels had to simultaneously douse the fire and cool different parts of the ship. “There is a breach on the port side of the superstructure and the hull and the crack on the deck above the waterline. However, these breaches are not causing any entry of seawater” DG, Coast Guard added. Currently, 7 ICG vessels are on site to aid in the phase 2 operations in the recovery of MT new Diamond, as phase 1(fire-fighting) is said to have ended. ICG has been at the forefront of this operation since Thursday, September 3rd.

Not a drop of oil leak into sea from MT New diamond cargo hold, says Director General of Indian Coast Guard

The fire which had re-ignited Monday, on-board a very large crude carrier (VLCC) MT New Diamond off the Sri Lanka coast has been doused and boundary cooling is being done to prevent re-ignition. The fire had almost risen to a height of upto 60 meters from the main, weather-exposed deck of the ship, which is also known as the weather deck. However, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has said that the blaze has been visibly doused and that measures are being undertaken to prevent re-ignition.&nbsp;

Sustained firefighting efforts by ICG Ships Sujay, Shaurya, Sarang, specialised ICG Pollution Response Vessel Samudra Paheredar along with Sri Lankan Ships and tugs ensured the intensity and magnitude of fire was reduced considerably by Tuesday morning. The master of MT New Diamond, on-board ICGS Shaurya has also intimated the Coast Guard that the fire appears to have been doused. The situation is being monitored closely and boundary cooling with sea water and application of foam has been enhanced to avoid re-ignition.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/fresh-fire-hits-stricken-oil-supertanker-off-sri-lanka-in-indian-ocean-325815" hreflang="en">Fresh fire hits stricken oil supertanker off Sri Lanka in Indian Ocean</a>

The MT New Diamond is being held about 30 miles from the Sri Lankan Coast by a tug boat and join firefighting and pollution response operations are being carries out by the assets of the Indian Coast Guard, the Indian Navy and their Sri Lankan counterparts.&nbsp;

It is also observed that the accommodation superstructure in the merchant vessel has been weakened owing to the blaze. This refers to the tower-like structure, which is the tallest portion and also houses the accommodation for the crew in a Marchant vessel.&nbsp;

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Owing to the use of large quantities of water and other suppressants to control the fire, it is said that the rear portion of the ship (aft) has gone down into the water by about 3 feet. However, there is no significant tilt(list) in the ship caused by the same.

The ICG vessels have been deployed for fire-fighting and consequential pollution response for MT New Diamond off since September 3rd. A bilateral MoU between ICG and SLCG covers co-operation in the Marine pollution Response domain. The Indian Coast Guard is also the Competent National Authority under South Asian Co-operative for Environment Protection (SACEP) for responding and coordinating pollution response in South Asian Sea region.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/sri-lanka-oil-tanker-fire-extinguished-says-lankan-navy-spokesperson-325595" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka oil tanker fire extinguished, says Lankan navy spokesperson</a>

In order to supplement the surface firefighting efforts with aerial dropping, the Lankan Navy had requested the Indian Coast guard for Dry Chemical Powder (DCP). To facilitate this, ICGS Abheek with 1.5tons of DCP was diverted from on-scene to enter Trincomalee harbour for the handing over. ICG Dornier aircraft&nbsp;&nbsp;with 700 kgs DCP was also dispatched on Thursday morning from Chennai to Trincomalee.&nbsp;

An ICG Dornier aircraft continues to operate from Mattala, Sri Lanka besides CG Helicopter embarked on&nbsp;&nbsp;ICGS Sarang being launched regularly for aerial assessment. No oil spill has been reported so far.&nbsp;

A 16-member salvage team including Marine Chemists and Naval Architects who are onboard Tugboats on-location&nbsp;&nbsp;are in agreement with the methodology adopted by ICG to fight fire and are providing suggestions to make the firefighting more effective.

This very large crude carrier- MT New Diamond is a Greek owned vessel, under charter by Indian Oil Cooperation. The vessel has been ablaze following a major explosion in the engine room, while transiting Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The first information about the vessel being on fire was received at Indian Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Co-Ordination Centre (MRCC) Mumbai.

MT New Diamond is reportedly carrying more that 2.7 lakh MT Kuwait export crude oil that was destined for Paradip, Odisha. According to&nbsp;Marinetraffic dot com, MT New Diamond is a 20-year old Crude oil tanker that is 333 meters long and 60 meters wide.&nbsp;

The fire which had re-ignited Monday, on-board a very large crude carrier (VLCC) MT New Diamond off the Sri Lanka coast has been doused and boundary cooling is being done to prevent re-ignition.

The fire which had re-ignited Monday, on-board a very large crude carrier (VLCC) MT New Diamond off the Sri Lanka coast has been doused and boundary cooling is being done to prevent re-ignition. The fire had almost risen to a height of upto 60 meters from the main, weather-exposed deck of the ship, which is also known as the weather deck. However, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has said that the blaze has been visibly doused and that measures are being undertaken to prevent re-ignition. Sustained firefighting efforts by ICG Ships Sujay, Shaurya, Sarang, specialised ICG Pollution Response Vessel Samudra Paheredar along with Sri Lankan Ships and tugs ensured the intensity and magnitude of fire was reduced considerably by Tuesday morning. The master of MT New Diamond, on-board ICGS Shaurya has also intimated the Coast Guard that the fire appears to have been doused. The situation is being monitored closely and boundary cooling with sea water and application of foam has been enhanced to avoid re-ignition. Also read: Fresh fire hits stricken oil supertanker off Sri Lanka in Indian Ocean The MT New Diamond is being held about 30 miles from the Sri Lankan Coast by a tug boat and join firefighting and pollution response operations are being carries out by the assets of the Indian Coast Guard, the Indian Navy and their Sri Lankan counterparts. It is also observed that the accommodation superstructure in the merchant vessel has been weakened owing to the blaze. This refers to the tower-like structure, which is the tallest portion and also houses the accommodation for the crew in a Marchant vessel. Owing to the use of large quantities of water and other suppressants to control the fire, it is said that the rear portion of the ship (aft) has gone down into the water by about 3 feet. However, there is no significant tilt(list) in the ship caused by the same. The ICG vessels have been deployed for fire-fighting and consequential pollution response for MT New Diamond off since September 3rd. A bilateral MoU between ICG and SLCG covers co-operation in the Marine pollution Response domain. The Indian Coast Guard is also the Competent National Authority under South Asian Co-operative for Environment Protection (SACEP) for responding and coordinating pollution response in South Asian Sea region. Also read: Sri Lanka oil tanker fire extinguished, says Lankan navy spokesperson In order to supplement the surface firefighting efforts with aerial dropping, the Lankan Navy had requested the Indian Coast guard for Dry Chemical Powder (DCP). To facilitate this, ICGS Abheek with 1.5tons of DCP was diverted from on-scene to enter Trincomalee harbour for the handing over. ICG Dornier aircraft with 700 kgs DCP was also dispatched on Thursday morning from Chennai to Trincomalee. An ICG Dornier aircraft continues to operate from Mattala, Sri Lanka besides CG Helicopter embarked on ICGS Sarang being launched regularly for aerial assessment. No oil spill has been reported so far. A 16-member salvage team including Marine Chemists and Naval Architects who are onboard Tugboats on-location are in agreement with the methodology adopted by ICG to fight fire and are providing suggestions to make the firefighting more effective. This very large crude carrier- MT New Diamond is a Greek owned vessel, under charter by Indian Oil Cooperation. The vessel has been ablaze following a major explosion in the engine room, while transiting Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The first information about the vessel being on fire was received at Indian Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Co-Ordination Centre (MRCC) Mumbai. MT New Diamond is reportedly carrying more that 2.7 lakh MT Kuwait export crude oil that was destined for Paradip, Odisha. According to Marinetraffic dot com, MT New Diamond is a 20-year old Crude oil tanker that is 333 meters long and 60 meters wide.

Fire that reignited on board MT New Diamond doused by joint efforts, says Indian Coast Guard

Fire fighters are again battling flames aboard a fully loaded oil supertanker off Sri Lanka, the island's nation's navy said on Monday, four days after fire first broke out on the New Diamond.

"Fresh flames have risen in the funnel section of the MT New Diamond Supertanker and fire fighters are battling the fire using foam to contain the blaze," said the Navy spokesman Captain Indika de Silva, adding that the fire had not reached the oil cargo of around 2 million barrels.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/sri-lanka-oil-tanker-fire-no-oil-spill-boundary-cooling-operation-in-progress-325586" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka oil tanker fire: No oil spill, boundary cooling operation in progress</a>

A fire first broke out last Thursday in the engine room and spread to the bridge of the very large crude carrier, chartered by Indian Oil Corp for importing oil from Kuwait. That blaze was doused on Sunday.

Tugs had been spraying water onto the ship on Monday to keep the metal cool, but high winds ignited the flames once again, de Silva said.

"We are spraying water on to the ship to keep it cool as there are several small fires still burning," he said, adding that salvage operations were expected to begin shortly.

Fire fighters are again battling flames aboard a fully loaded oil supertanker off Sri Lanka, the island's nation's navy said on Monday, four days after fire first broke out on the New Diamond.

Fire fighters are again battling flames aboard a fully loaded oil supertanker off Sri Lanka, the island's nation's navy said on Monday, four days after fire first broke out on the New Diamond. "Fresh flames have risen in the funnel section of the MT New Diamond Supertanker and fire fighters are battling the fire using foam to contain the blaze," said the Navy spokesman Captain Indika de Silva, adding that the fire had not reached the oil cargo of around 2 million barrels. Also read: Sri Lanka oil tanker fire: No oil spill, boundary cooling operation in progress A fire first broke out last Thursday in the engine room and spread to the bridge of the very large crude carrier, chartered by Indian Oil Corp for importing oil from Kuwait. That blaze was doused on Sunday. Tugs had been spraying water onto the ship on Monday to keep the metal cool, but high winds ignited the flames once again, de Silva said. "We are spraying water on to the ship to keep it cool as there are several small fires still burning," he said, adding that salvage operations were expected to begin shortly.

Fresh fire hits stricken oil supertanker off Sri Lanka in Indian Ocean

A fire on a supertanker abandoned off Sri Lanka’s east coast has been extinguished, a Sri Lankan navy spokesman said on Sunday.

“The fire on the oil tanker has been doused. However we are continuing to spray water in case it reignites,” Captain Indika De Silva told Reuters.

The New Diamond is carrying about 2 million barrels of crude oil, although a senior Sri Lankan navy official said on Friday there was no real risk of a spill.

The fire broke out in the engine room on Thursday morning and spread to the bridge of the ship.

A fire on a supertanker abandoned off Sri Lanka’s east coast has been extinguished, a Sri Lankan navy spokesman said on Sunday. “The fire on the oil tanker has been doused.

A fire on a supertanker abandoned off Sri Lanka’s east coast has been extinguished, a Sri Lankan navy spokesman said on Sunday. “The fire on the oil tanker has been doused. However we are continuing to spray water in case it reignites,” Captain Indika De Silva told Reuters. The New Diamond is carrying about 2 million barrels of crude oil, although a senior Sri Lankan navy official said on Friday there was no real risk of a spill. The fire broke out in the engine room on Thursday morning and spread to the bridge of the ship.

Sri Lanka oil tanker fire extinguished, says Lankan navy spokesperson

Fire at oil tanker MT New Diamond has been brought under control. Although Indian and Sri Lankan Navy are still engaged to put out the flames completely,the situation is largely under control. Indian Navy tweeted latest images of the firefight on Sunday.

"On Scene Commander INS Sahyadri reports, fire on MT New Diamond under control. Aerial reconnaissance being undertaken to assess the present situation, to be followed by boarding of ship," said Indian Navy in a tweet.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MTNewDiamond?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MTNewDiamond</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Update?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Update</a> 
Fire under control.<a href="https://twitter.com/SpokespersonMoD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpokespersonMoD</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DefenceMinIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PetroleumMin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PetroleumMin</a><a href="https://twitter.com/srilanka_navy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@srilanka_navy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainSL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiainSL</a> <a href="https://t.co/2KHhpSXIbO">https://t.co/2KHhpSXIbO</a> <a href="https://t.co/cJ2VPtHn3T">pic.twitter.com/cJ2VPtHn3T</a>
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) <a href="https://twitter.com/indiannavy/status/1302525372295045121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Indian Coast Guard officials told ANI that 22 crew members had been rescued. Indian Coast Guard has deployed 6 ships and two aircrafts.

There has been constant apprehension about an oil spill ever since the oil tanker ship caught fire. However, there have not been any such reports so far.

An oil spill of this magnitude can very well prove to be dangerous as it can affect the natural habitats in the sea and can affect sea traffic in this part of Indian Ocean.

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MT New Diamond caught fire on September 3 after a blast in its engine room. Sri Lankan Navy responded to the situation and later on requested Indian Navy for assistance.

The oil tanker ship was hauling crude oil from Kuwait to Paradip in Odisha. The tanker has been chartered by Indian Oil.

Fire at oil tanker MT New Diamond has been brought under control. Although Indian and Sri Lankan Navy are still engaged to put out the flames completely,the situation is largely under control.

Fire at oil tanker MT New Diamond has been brought under control. Although Indian and Sri Lankan Navy are still engaged to put out the flames completely,the situation is largely under control. Indian Navy tweeted latest images of the firefight on Sunday. "On Scene Commander INS Sahyadri reports, fire on MT New Diamond under control. Aerial reconnaissance being undertaken to assess the present situation, to be followed by boarding of ship," said Indian Navy in a tweet. #MTNewDiamond #Update Fire under control.@SpokespersonMoD @DefenceMinIndia @PetroleumMin@srilanka_navy @IndiainSL https://t.co/2KHhpSXIbO pic.twitter.com/cJ2VPtHn3T — SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) September 6, 2020 × Indian Coast Guard officials told ANI that 22 crew members had been rescued. Indian Coast Guard has deployed 6 ships and two aircrafts. There has been constant apprehension about an oil spill ever since the oil tanker ship caught fire. However, there have not been any such reports so far. An oil spill of this magnitude can very well prove to be dangerous as it can affect the natural habitats in the sea and can affect sea traffic in this part of Indian Ocean. × MT New Diamond caught fire on September 3 after a blast in its engine room. Sri Lankan Navy responded to the situation and later on requested Indian Navy for assistance. The oil tanker ship was hauling crude oil from Kuwait to Paradip in Odisha. The tanker has been chartered by Indian Oil.

Sri Lanka oil tanker fire brought under control, says Indian Navy

Indian Coast Guard on Saturday tweeted that firefighting to put out the fire at oil tanker MT New Diamond was still on. The Coast Guard added that there was 'no oil slick'. The oil tanker ship contains around 300,000 tonnes of crude oil and an oil spill would be disasterous.

Sri Lanka oil tanker fire: Firefighting continues, tweets Indian Coast Guard

An oil tanker burned out of control raising fears of oil spill in Indian Ocean. The ship was carrying 270,000 tonnes of crude from Kuwait to India when the engine room exploded on Thursday killing one crew member. The other 22 out of 23 crew members have been safely rescued whereas 1 died.

New oil spill fear in Indian Ocean due to fire in Sri Lanka oil tanker

Positive news came in from off the coast of Sri Lanka as Indian Coast Guard was able to douse fire in the accommodation area of the oil tanker ship that caught fire on Thursday. The tanker MT New Diamond is still on fire but Indian Coast Guard has kept on its efforts to bring the flames under control.

The Panama flagged ship caught fire as it was hauling crude oil from Kuwait to India. The ship was bound for Paradip in Odisha when fire started in its engine room. The ship was in waters off the eastern coast of Sri Lanka.

Indian Coast Guard said that 22 out of 23 crewmen had been rescued and there was no oil spill.

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Concerted joint <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAR</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FireFighting?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FireFighting</a> efforts by ICG Ships, SL Navy &amp; tugs resulted in rescue of 22 out of 23 crew safely. Search for 01 missing crew (Filipino) in progress. No oil spill reported in area. 02 Emergency Towing Vessels being deployed by GoI for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MTNewDiamond?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MTNewDiamond</a>. <a href="https://t.co/bjqMsQkio9">pic.twitter.com/bjqMsQkio9</a>
— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaCoastGuard/status/1301774176131280897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The ship was carrying 270,000 metric tonnes of crude oil when the fire started

As per the last report, one person from the ship's 23 crew members was missing. Another is injured.

According to the Sri Lankan Navy Spokesperson, at least four ships had been dispatched.

Sri Lankan Navy requested assistance from Indian Navy to bring the flames under control.

The Indian Coast Guard also pressed into action three of its ships and a Dornier aircraft after the Sri Lankan Navy sought assistance to control the fire onboard the oil tanker.

In a swift sea and air coordinated Search and Rescue (SAR) operation, the Coast Guard said it immediately diverted ICG Ships Shaurya, Sarang and Samudra Paheredar, besides a Dornier aircraft for the firefight on the oil tanker.

Two Russian anti-submarine warfare ships which were anchored at Hambantota Port since August 31 were also dispatched to the area to douse the fire, the spokesperson said. 
&nbsp;

Positive news came in from off the coast of Sri Lanka as Indian Coast Guard was able to douse fire in the accommodation area of the oil tanker ship that caught fire on Thursday.

Positive news came in from off the coast of Sri Lanka as Indian Coast Guard was able to douse fire in the accommodation area of the oil tanker ship that caught fire on Thursday. The tanker MT New Diamond is still on fire but Indian Coast Guard has kept on its efforts to bring the flames under control. The Panama flagged ship caught fire as it was hauling crude oil from Kuwait to India. The ship was bound for Paradip in Odisha when fire started in its engine room. The ship was in waters off the eastern coast of Sri Lanka. Indian Coast Guard said that 22 out of 23 crewmen had been rescued and there was no oil spill. Concerted joint #SAR & #FireFighting efforts by ICG Ships, SL Navy & tugs resulted in rescue of 22 out of 23 crew safely. Search for 01 missing crew (Filipino) in progress. No oil spill reported in area. 02 Emergency Towing Vessels being deployed by GoI for #MTNewDiamond. pic.twitter.com/bjqMsQkio9 — Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) September 4, 2020 × The ship was carrying 270,000 metric tonnes of crude oil when the fire started As per the last report, one person from the ship's 23 crew members was missing. Another is injured. According to the Sri Lankan Navy Spokesperson, at least four ships had been dispatched. Sri Lankan Navy requested assistance from Indian Navy to bring the flames under control. The Indian Coast Guard also pressed into action three of its ships and a Dornier aircraft after the Sri Lankan Navy sought assistance to control the fire onboard the oil tanker. In a swift sea and air coordinated Search and Rescue (SAR) operation, the Coast Guard said it immediately diverted ICG Ships Shaurya, Sarang and Samudra Paheredar, besides a Dornier aircraft for the firefight on the oil tanker. Two Russian anti-submarine warfare ships which were anchored at Hambantota Port since August 31 were also dispatched to the area to douse the fire, the spokesperson said.

Sri Lanka Oil Tanker Fire: Indian Coast Guard douses flames in accommodation area, firefighting on

Amidst the COVID crisis, India has been reaching out to Indian Ocean Island countries of Maldives, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka

MALDIVES&nbsp; 
 
When it comes to the Maldives, India has been helping develop large as well as number of community development projects. In terms of large projects, India will be part of building up International Cricket stadium, expansion of Hanimadhoo Airport, Gulhuifalhu Port project, Cancer Hospital under its 800 million dollar line of credit. It is also helping in the construction of new Institute for Security &amp; Law Enforcement Studies (ISLES) and restoring the iconic Friday Mosque in Male also known as Hukuru Miskiy.

When it comes to community projects, 18 other projects are ongoing/completed under a 50 crore grant.&nbsp;

The streets of the national capital Male are lit up with LED lights supplied by India. India is also helping in modernization of the defence capabilities of the country and had earlier gifted a Made-in-India Fast Interceptor Craft ‘Kaamiyaab’ in Dec 2019.

On COVID crisis, Maldives has been the biggest beneficiary of India's COVID assistance. India sent 2 consignments of medicines, a 14-member Rapid Response Team, about 600 tons of food supplies under its Mission SAGAR to the country.

MAURITIUS

When it comes to Mauritius, India is the largest development partner for Mauritius with extensive focus on people-oriented projects. 5 mammoth infrastructure projects have been completed in the country under India's Special Economic Package (SEP) of $ 353 million announced in 2016. 4 projects have been completed which are-- Metro Express Project at the cost of $ 275 million with Phase 1 being completed, Supreme Court Building at the cost of $ 30million, New ENT Hospital at the cost of &nbsp;USD 14 million, e-Tablets worth $ 14 million. Work is underway on the Social Housing project being built at the cost of $ 20 million.&nbsp;

On defence partnership under India’s ITEC programme in FY 2018-19, 210 civilian and 169 defence slots were offered. Mauritius is also the largest beneficiary of Africa Scholarships under IAFS with 97 ICCR scholarships extended annually for higher education in India.&nbsp;

India has announced Lines of Credit (LOC) worth USD 600 million at concessional terms for Mauritius with a priority focus on developmental projects. It has extended assistance in Health care sector for construction of a Renal Unit and construction of 4 Mediclinics and 2 Area Health Centres AHCs (USD 12 million).

Currently, India is working on Metro Express Project Phase 2, 956 units of Social Housing project being built at the cost of $ 20 million, Construction of Civil Service College, Renal Unit and 4 Med clinics and 2 AHCs.

When it comes to COVID assistance, India was the first to send a medical consignment to Mauritius to deal with the Covid pandemic. This included Hydrocloroquine (HCQ) tablet and other essential medicines which included a special consignment of Ayurvedic medicines. Along with this India sent a dedicated Medical Assistance Team to supplement local government’s efforts against Covid-19 pandemic. 
 
SRI LANKA

When it comes to Sri Lanka, India’s total development assistance portfolio in Sri Lanka exceeds USD 3.45 billion, of which USD 560 million is in the form of grant assistance. &nbsp;Focus ranges from capacity-building to human resources development to connectivity to infrastructure development in all the provinces in Sri Lanka. The areas include cultural conservation like restoration of Thiruketheeswaram temple to the construction of iconic landmarks like Jaffna Cultural Centre to enhancing connectivity like restoration of railway lines.

Its Housing Project to construct 50,000 houses in Sri Lanka is well known as is India’s flagship and largest grant assistance project in Sri Lanka. Over 48,600 houses have been constructed so far and 10,000 houses are planned to be constructed for the Indian-origin Tamil population in the upcountry region.

In terms of health infrastructure, nation-wide Emergency Ambulance Service with 297 ambulances was established under Indian grant assistance. Started in two provinces initially, it was expanded to all the 9 provinces following demand from other areas. The Ambulances played a useful role in saving lives in the aftermath of the Easter terror bombing in Sri Lanka in April 2019.

India has gifted a 150-bed hospital in Dickoya in Central province, a 200-bed ward complex at the General Hospital in Vavuniya, Northern Province, and upgraded medical facilities in 3 hospitals in the Northern Province. Currently, India is constructing a Surgical Unit in Batticaloa Teaching Hospital in the Eastern Province.

On the connectivity front, India has helped restore arterial railway lines, which sustained heavy damage in Tsunami in 2004. New Delhi reconnected northern Sri Lanka with the rest of the country by restoring railway lines, establishing signaling systems and supplying rolling stocks, this after a gap of 25 years. India is also helping in the development of Kankesanthurai harbor in the northern tip. Air connectivity from Chennai to Jaffna was restored after a gap of more than 3 decades with the commencement of flights between Chennai and Jaffna in November 2019.

In November 2019, during the visit of Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to India Indian PM announced two new Lines of Credit for USD 400 million for infrastructure development and USD 50 million for security and counter-terrorism. This is in addition to the USD 100 million LOC offered in 2018 for undertaking solar projects in Sri Lanka.

When it comes to Covid Assistance, India has supported the efforts of Sri Lanka in its fight against COVID 19 by providing them four consignments of Covid-19 related essential life-saving medicines and equipment in April and May 2020. India was the first to send medicines to Sri Lanka.

Amidst the COVID crisis, India has been reaching out to Indian Ocean Island countries of Maldives, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka MALDIVES When it comes to the Maldives, India has been helping develop large as well as number of community development projects.

Amidst the COVID crisis, India has been reaching out to Indian Ocean Island countries of Maldives, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka MALDIVES When it comes to the Maldives, India has been helping develop large as well as number of community development projects. In terms of large projects, India will be part of building up International Cricket stadium, expansion of Hanimadhoo Airport, Gulhuifalhu Port project, Cancer Hospital under its 800 million dollar line of credit. It is also helping in the construction of new Institute for Security & Law Enforcement Studies (ISLES) and restoring the iconic Friday Mosque in Male also known as Hukuru Miskiy. When it comes to community projects, 18 other projects are ongoing/completed under a 50 crore grant. The streets of the national capital Male are lit up with LED lights supplied by India. India is also helping in modernization of the defence capabilities of the country and had earlier gifted a Made-in-India Fast Interceptor Craft ‘Kaamiyaab’ in Dec 2019. On COVID crisis, Maldives has been the biggest beneficiary of India's COVID assistance. India sent 2 consignments of medicines, a 14-member Rapid Response Team, about 600 tons of food supplies under its Mission SAGAR to the country. MAURITIUS When it comes to Mauritius, India is the largest development partner for Mauritius with extensive focus on people-oriented projects. 5 mammoth infrastructure projects have been completed in the country under India's Special Economic Package (SEP) of $ 353 million announced in 2016. 4 projects have been completed which are-- Metro Express Project at the cost of $ 275 million with Phase 1 being completed, Supreme Court Building at the cost of $ 30million, New ENT Hospital at the cost of USD 14 million, e-Tablets worth $ 14 million. Work is underway on the Social Housing project being built at the cost of $ 20 million. On defence partnership under India’s ITEC programme in FY 2018-19, 210 civilian and 169 defence slots were offered. Mauritius is also the largest beneficiary of Africa Scholarships under IAFS with 97 ICCR scholarships extended annually for higher education in India. India has announced Lines of Credit (LOC) worth USD 600 million at concessional terms for Mauritius with a priority focus on developmental projects. It has extended assistance in Health care sector for construction of a Renal Unit and construction of 4 Mediclinics and 2 Area Health Centres AHCs (USD 12 million). Currently, India is working on Metro Express Project Phase 2, 956 units of Social Housing project being built at the cost of $ 20 million, Construction of Civil Service College, Renal Unit and 4 Med clinics and 2 AHCs. When it comes to COVID assistance, India was the first to send a medical consignment to Mauritius to deal with the Covid pandemic. This included Hydrocloroquine (HCQ) tablet and other essential medicines which included a special consignment of Ayurvedic medicines. Along with this India sent a dedicated Medical Assistance Team to supplement local government’s efforts against Covid-19 pandemic. SRI LANKA When it comes to Sri Lanka, India’s total development assistance portfolio in Sri Lanka exceeds USD 3.45 billion, of which USD 560 million is in the form of grant assistance. Focus ranges from capacity-building to human resources development to connectivity to infrastructure development in all the provinces in Sri Lanka. The areas include cultural conservation like restoration of Thiruketheeswaram temple to the construction of iconic landmarks like Jaffna Cultural Centre to enhancing connectivity like restoration of railway lines. Its Housing Project to construct 50,000 houses in Sri Lanka is well known as is India’s flagship and largest grant assistance project in Sri Lanka. Over 48,600 houses have been constructed so far and 10,000 houses are planned to be constructed for the Indian-origin Tamil population in the upcountry region. In terms of health infrastructure, nation-wide Emergency Ambulance Service with 297 ambulances was established under Indian grant assistance. Started in two provinces initially, it was expanded to all the 9 provinces following demand from other areas. The Ambulances played a useful role in saving lives in the aftermath of the Easter terror bombing in Sri Lanka in April 2019. India has gifted a 150-bed hospital in Dickoya in Central province, a 200-bed ward complex at the General Hospital in Vavuniya, Northern Province, and upgraded medical facilities in 3 hospitals in the Northern Province. Currently, India is constructing a Surgical Unit in Batticaloa Teaching Hospital in the Eastern Province. On the connectivity front, India has helped restore arterial railway lines, which sustained heavy damage in Tsunami in 2004. New Delhi reconnected northern Sri Lanka with the rest of the country by restoring railway lines, establishing signaling systems and supplying rolling stocks, this after a gap of 25 years. India is also helping in the development of Kankesanthurai harbor in the northern tip. Air connectivity from Chennai to Jaffna was restored after a gap of more than 3 decades with the commencement of flights between Chennai and Jaffna in November 2019. In November 2019, during the visit of Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to India Indian PM announced two new Lines of Credit for USD 400 million for infrastructure development and USD 50 million for security and counter-terrorism. This is in addition to the USD 100 million LOC offered in 2018 for undertaking solar projects in Sri Lanka. When it comes to Covid Assistance, India has supported the efforts of Sri Lanka in its fight against COVID 19 by providing them four consignments of Covid-19 related essential life-saving medicines and equipment in April and May 2020. India was the first to send medicines to Sri Lanka.

India reaches out to Indian Ocean island countries on Covid crisis, infrastructure development

United States Navy's aircraft carrier USS Nimitz has arrived in the Indian Ocean to take part in a naval exercise with Indian warships near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

WION Dispatch: USS Nimitz entered Indian Ocean crossing Malacca strait

US Navy's USS Nimitz, the world's largest warship, is likely to conduct a drill with Indian Navy's off the coast of Andaman & Nicobar island. Nimitz is already present in the Indian ocean and came into the ocean via Malacca Strait. Watch report

Indian navy to conduct joint exercise with US warships; Strong strategic signal to China?

America's largest warship likely to exercise with Indian Navy amid Chinese aggression

Somaliland, a full fledged functioning defacto independent country in the horn of Africa, has established ties with Taiwan. What is significant is that Somaliland borders Djibouti that host many foriegn bases including the only base foriegn base of China.&nbsp;

Chinese People's Liberation Army Support Base in Djibouti was established in 2017 and gives the Chinese navy an oversight from Suez canal to western Indian ocean.

The Taiwanese foreign ministry said, "We've signed an agreement with Somaliland to establish good relations."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-hunger-for-others-land-knows-no-limits-its-latest-target-is-russia-310561">Also read|&nbsp;China's hunger for others' land knows no limits. It's latest target is Russia</a>

A Taiwan Representative Office will be set up in this "independent country on the Horn of Africa" and "We're thousands of miles apart, but share a deep-seated love of freedom and democracy" the statement from Taipei.

The Somaliland FM Yasin Hagi Mohamoud was himself in the Taiwan to sign the agreement and establishment of diplomatic ties, welcomed by both Tsai Ing-wen President of Taiwan and Muse Bihi Abdi President of Somaliland.

Remember Somaliland in north western Somalia, while is a fully functioning country, but is not recognised globally. Few engagements with foriegn govts have happened including with South Africa, UK, Djibouti, Sweden.

Eswatini is the only country to have diplomatic ties with Taiwan so far in Africa. Burkina Faso in 2018 broke official ties with Taiwan. Taiwan has formal ties with 15 countries, and substantial relationship with most countries in the world.&nbsp;

Its passport is officially accepted by more than 150 countries and enjoys a high-level of visa exemption or facilitation treatment due to its people's 20 million outbound visits every year.

Somaliland, a full fledged functioning defacto independent country in the horn of Africa, has established ties with Taiwan. What is significant is that Somaliland borders Djibouti that host many foriegn bases including the only base foriegn base of China.

Somaliland, a full fledged functioning defacto independent country in the horn of Africa, has established ties with Taiwan. What is significant is that Somaliland borders Djibouti that host many foriegn bases including the only base foriegn base of China. Chinese People's Liberation Army Support Base in Djibouti was established in 2017 and gives the Chinese navy an oversight from Suez canal to western Indian ocean. The Taiwanese foreign ministry said, "We've signed an agreement with Somaliland to establish good relations." Also read| China's hunger for others' land knows no limits. It's latest target is Russia A Taiwan Representative Office will be set up in this "independent country on the Horn of Africa" and "We're thousands of miles apart, but share a deep-seated love of freedom and democracy" the statement from Taipei. The Somaliland FM Yasin Hagi Mohamoud was himself in the Taiwan to sign the agreement and establishment of diplomatic ties, welcomed by both Tsai Ing-wen President of Taiwan and Muse Bihi Abdi President of Somaliland. Remember Somaliland in north western Somalia, while is a fully functioning country, but is not recognised globally. Few engagements with foriegn govts have happened including with South Africa, UK, Djibouti, Sweden. Eswatini is the only country to have diplomatic ties with Taiwan so far in Africa. Burkina Faso in 2018 broke official ties with Taiwan. Taiwan has formal ties with 15 countries, and substantial relationship with most countries in the world. Its passport is officially accepted by more than 150 countries and enjoys a high-level of visa exemption or facilitation treatment due to its people's 20 million outbound visits every year.

Somaliland, next to China's only military base in Indian Ocean establishes ties with Taiwan

With increased Chinese combativeness, the Indian Navy has increased the monitoring of vessels in the Indian Ocean. Indian navy, as are the other services -- Army and Air Force, is in the heightened state of alert in the aftermath of the Galwan valley incident.

The Indian Navy has steadily developed the capability of being able to monitor movements through the Indian Ocean region, and interdict them as and when required.

As far as People's Liberation Army Navy units are concerned, there are only a few straits through which they can enter the Indian Ocean, which can be kept under continuous surveillance.

Meanwhile, India in 2015 had articulated its strategic vision under the acronym SAGAR --Security And Growth for All in the Region. It seeks to deepen economic and security cooperation with maritime neighbours and assist them in building maritime security capabilities. It is part of strengthening cooperation with littoral states.&nbsp;

While it is unlikely that any Galwan Valley-type misadventure by the Chinese forces could happen at sea, chances of strong response will be in offing.&nbsp;

China has developed ports in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Djibouti etc which could also be put to dual-use by the PLA Navy, Coast Guard and Maritime Militia. While they are part of the belt and road (BRI) infrastructure project, it can impact countries hosting them.

China claims that participating countries stand to gain 2-3 per cent increase in their GDP and reduction in transportation tariffs, by participating in BRI. But this is known to be a debt trap with countries unable to repay loans leading to losses, some time territorial.&nbsp;

A big worry for Beijing is that India is not a member of BRI, but is strategically placed as well as is militarily capable of threatening both the 'Belt' in Occupied-Ladakh and the 'Road' in the Indian Ocean, should the need arise. China's prospects of succeeding in their BRI endeavour, therefore, revolve around breaching this 'Great Wall of India'.&nbsp;

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has also been pushing towards the West using its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which was announced in 2013. BRI aims to undertake infrastructure development and investment to strengthen China's connectivity with over 70 countries across the continents of Asia, Africa and Europe.

With increased Chinese combativeness, the Indian Navy has increased the monitoring of vessels in the Indian Ocean. Indian navy, as are the other services -- Army and Air Force, is in the heightened state of alert in the aftermath of the Galwan valley incident.

With increased Chinese combativeness, the Indian Navy has increased the monitoring of vessels in the Indian Ocean. Indian navy, as are the other services -- Army and Air Force, is in the heightened state of alert in the aftermath of the Galwan valley incident. The Indian Navy has steadily developed the capability of being able to monitor movements through the Indian Ocean region, and interdict them as and when required. As far as People's Liberation Army Navy units are concerned, there are only a few straits through which they can enter the Indian Ocean, which can be kept under continuous surveillance. Meanwhile, India in 2015 had articulated its strategic vision under the acronym SAGAR --Security And Growth for All in the Region. It seeks to deepen economic and security cooperation with maritime neighbours and assist them in building maritime security capabilities. It is part of strengthening cooperation with littoral states. While it is unlikely that any Galwan Valley-type misadventure by the Chinese forces could happen at sea, chances of strong response will be in offing. China has developed ports in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Djibouti etc which could also be put to dual-use by the PLA Navy, Coast Guard and Maritime Militia. While they are part of the belt and road (BRI) infrastructure project, it can impact countries hosting them. China claims that participating countries stand to gain 2-3 per cent increase in their GDP and reduction in transportation tariffs, by participating in BRI. But this is known to be a debt trap with countries unable to repay loans leading to losses, some time territorial. A big worry for Beijing is that India is not a member of BRI, but is strategically placed as well as is militarily capable of threatening both the 'Belt' in Occupied-Ladakh and the 'Road' in the Indian Ocean, should the need arise. China's prospects of succeeding in their BRI endeavour, therefore, revolve around breaching this 'Great Wall of India'. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has also been pushing towards the West using its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which was announced in 2013. BRI aims to undertake infrastructure development and investment to strengthen China's connectivity with over 70 countries across the continents of Asia, Africa and Europe.

Indian Navy increases monitoring of vessels in Indian Ocean

Indian Naval ship 'Kesari' arrived here on Sunday after 55 days of deployment in the southern Indian Ocean region as part of 'Mission Sagar.'

The ship was deployed on a special 'COVID Relief Mission' and made port calls at Male (Maldives), Port Louis (Mauritius), Antsiranana (Madagascar), Moroni (Comoros Islands) and Port Victoria (Seychelles) for delivery of 580 tonnes of food aid and essential medical supplies to local authorities, a Defence release said here.

Further, a 14-member Naval medical assistance team was also deputed to Mauritius and Comoros for 20 days each and assisted local governments in formulation of long-term strategy to counter COVID-19 through mutual sharing of experience, it said.

The shipment of essential medicines and medical assistance team as part of 'Mission Sagar' reaffirms India's role as a preferred security partner in the Indian Ocean region (IOR) and reflects India's commitment to work together with its maritime neighbours and partners in the IOR, the release said.

The ship's long deployment in rough seas and difficult times towards delivery of essential medical aid has been widely appreciated by these countries.

The Prime Minister of Mauritius had personally thanked the Indian Prime Minister during a telephone conversation last month for deployment of INS Kesari.

Similarly, heads of states or senior dignitaries from other countries had also expressed gratitude for the timely aid.

Overall, the Mission Sagar of Indian Navy has been a great success, the release added.

The Centre started Mission Sagar last month to assist friendly neighbouring countries with essential supplies amid the pandemic.

Indian Naval ship 'Kesari' arrived here on Sunday after 55 days of deployment in the southern Indian Ocean region as part of 'Mission Sagar.' The ship was deployed on a special 'COVID Relief Mission' and made port calls at Male (Maldives), Port Louis (Mauritius), Antsiranana (Madagascar), Moroni (Comoros Islands) and Port Victoria (Seychelles) for delivery of 580 tonnes of food aid and essential medical supplies to local authorities, a Defence release said here.

Indian Naval ship 'Kesari' arrived here on Sunday after 55 days of deployment in the southern Indian Ocean region as part of 'Mission Sagar.' The ship was deployed on a special 'COVID Relief Mission' and made port calls at Male (Maldives), Port Louis (Mauritius), Antsiranana (Madagascar), Moroni (Comoros Islands) and Port Victoria (Seychelles) for delivery of 580 tonnes of food aid and essential medical supplies to local authorities, a Defence release said here. Further, a 14-member Naval medical assistance team was also deputed to Mauritius and Comoros for 20 days each and assisted local governments in formulation of long-term strategy to counter COVID-19 through mutual sharing of experience, it said. The shipment of essential medicines and medical assistance team as part of 'Mission Sagar' reaffirms India's role as a preferred security partner in the Indian Ocean region (IOR) and reflects India's commitment to work together with its maritime neighbours and partners in the IOR, the release said. The ship's long deployment in rough seas and difficult times towards delivery of essential medical aid has been widely appreciated by these countries. The Prime Minister of Mauritius had personally thanked the Indian Prime Minister during a telephone conversation last month for deployment of INS Kesari. Similarly, heads of states or senior dignitaries from other countries had also expressed gratitude for the timely aid. Overall, the Mission Sagar of Indian Navy has been a great success, the release added. The Centre started Mission Sagar last month to assist friendly neighbouring countries with essential supplies amid the pandemic.

Naval ship 'Kesari' returns after deployment in southern Indian Ocean region

A team of international scientists is preparing to carry out a deep sea dive mission into the depths of the Indian Ocean.

South Asia Diary: Diving into the 'Midnight zone'

Iran has kicked off the first joint naval drill with Russia and China in the northern part of the Indian Ocean. Today is the second day of this joint drill. #Iran #Russia #China #JoinDrill #IndianOcean #WION

China, Russia and Iran enters the 2nd day of joint naval drills

Iran has kicked off the first joint naval drill with Russia and China in the northern part of the Indian Ocean. #Iran #Russia #China #JoinDrill #IndianOcean #WION

Joint drill of China, Russia and Iran near Gulf of Oman

A look at the tsunami in the Indian ocean on December 26, 2004. #Gravitas #2004Tsunami #IndianOcean

Gravitas: Remembering the 2004 tsunami in the Indian ocean

Iran, China and Russia started four days of joint naval drills in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/wion-edit-india-vs-china-battle-for-influence-in-indian-ocean-266210">Indian Ocean</a> and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tanker-attacks-in-gulf-of-oman-stoke-security-and-oil-fears-226939">Gulf of Oman</a>&nbsp;on Friday, the commander of Iran's flotilla announced.

The exercise comes at a time of heightened tensions since the United States withdrew from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal with Iran in May last year.

"The message of this exercise is peace, friendship and lasting security through cooperation and unity and its effect will be to show that Iran cannot be isolated," Rear Admiral Gholamreza Tahani said on state television.

Tahani added that the drills included rescuing ships on fire or vessels under attack by pirates and shooting exercises, with both Iran's navy and its Revolutionary Guards participating.

State television showed what it said was a Russian warship arriving at Chabahar port in southern Iran and said the Chinese will join shortly, calling the three countries "the new triangle of power in the sea".

"The aim of this drill is to bolster security of international maritime commerce, combatting piracy and terrorism and sharing information and experience," the flotilla commander said.

"Us hosting these powers shows that our relations have reached a meaningful point and may have an international impact," he added.

The United States reimposed crippling sanctions on Iran after quitting the nuclear deal last year, prompting Tehran to hit back with countermeasures by dropping nuclear commitments.

Remaining parties to the badly weakened agreement include Britain, France and Germany as well as China and Russia.

In June, US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-stocks-rattled-after-donald-trump-says-no-deadline-on-us-china-trade-deal-266025">Donald Trump</a> authorised a military strike after Iran shot down a US drone, only to call off the retaliation at the last moment.

The crisis deepened with the September 14 attacks on Saudi energy giant Aramco's Abqaiq processing plant and Khurais oilfield, which halved the kingdom's crude output.

Yemen's Huthi rebels claimed responsibility for the attack but Washington accused Tehran, a charge it has strongly denied.

Washington has responded with a military build-up in the Gulf and has launched an operation with its allies to protect navigation in Gulf waters.

Iran, China and Russia started four days of joint naval drills in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Oman on Friday, the commander of Iran's flotilla announced. The exercise comes at a time of heightened tensions since the United States withdrew from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal with Iran in May last year.

Iran, China and Russia started four days of joint naval drills in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Oman on Friday, the commander of Iran's flotilla announced. The exercise comes at a time of heightened tensions since the United States withdrew from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal with Iran in May last year. "The message of this exercise is peace, friendship and lasting security through cooperation and unity and its effect will be to show that Iran cannot be isolated," Rear Admiral Gholamreza Tahani said on state television. Tahani added that the drills included rescuing ships on fire or vessels under attack by pirates and shooting exercises, with both Iran's navy and its Revolutionary Guards participating. State television showed what it said was a Russian warship arriving at Chabahar port in southern Iran and said the Chinese will join shortly, calling the three countries "the new triangle of power in the sea". "The aim of this drill is to bolster security of international maritime commerce, combatting piracy and terrorism and sharing information and experience," the flotilla commander said. "Us hosting these powers shows that our relations have reached a meaningful point and may have an international impact," he added. The United States reimposed crippling sanctions on Iran after quitting the nuclear deal last year, prompting Tehran to hit back with countermeasures by dropping nuclear commitments. Remaining parties to the badly weakened agreement include Britain, France and Germany as well as China and Russia. In June, US President Donald Trump authorised a military strike after Iran shot down a US drone, only to call off the retaliation at the last moment. The crisis deepened with the September 14 attacks on Saudi energy giant Aramco's Abqaiq processing plant and Khurais oilfield, which halved the kingdom's crude output. Yemen's Huthi rebels claimed responsibility for the attack but Washington accused Tehran, a charge it has strongly denied. Washington has responded with a military build-up in the Gulf and has launched an operation with its allies to protect navigation in Gulf waters.

Iran, China, Russia start joint naval drills

China, Iran, and Russia will hold joint naval drills starting on Friday in the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/no-hope-for-pakistan-to-get-membership-of-indian-ocean-rim-association-208989"> Indian Ocean</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tanker-attacks-in-gulf-of-oman-stoke-security-and-oil-fears-226939">Gulf of Oman</a>, China's defence ministry said on Thursday，amid heightened tension in the region between Iran and the United States.

China will send the Xining, a guided-missile destroyer, to the drills, which will last until Monday, and are meant to deepen cooperation between the three countries' navies, ministry spokesman Wu Qian told a monthly news briefing.

The drill was a "normal military exchange" between the three armed forces and was in line with international law and practices, Wu said.

"It is not necessarily connected with the regional situation," he said, without elaborating.

The Gulf of Oman is a particularly sensitive waterway as it connects to the Strait of Hormuz through which about a fifth of the world's oil passes which in turn connects to the Gulf.

The drills are also coming at a time of fraught tensions between the United States and Iran.

Friction has increased since last year when US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-stocks-rattled-after-donald-trump-says-no-deadline-on-us-china-trade-deal-266025">Donald Trump</a> pulled the United States out of Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with six nations and re-imposed sanctions on it, crippling its economy.

Washington has proposed a US-led naval mission after several attacks in May and June on international merchant vessels, including Saudi tankers, in Gulf waters which the United States blamed on Iran. It denies the accusations.

Tension has risen in the region not only over Iran's disputed nuclear programme but also over a September attack on Saudi oil facilities blamed on Iran by the United States and Saudi Arabia. Iran also denies involvement.

China has close diplomatic, trade and energy ties with Iran.

But China also has good relations with Iran's regional rival Saudi Arabia, meaning it has long had to tread a fine line in a part of the world where it has traditionally exerted far less sway than the United States, Russia, France or Britain.

Chinese President<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/pm-modi-president-xi-jinping-a-study-in-contrast-255342"> Xi Jinping </a>is likely to visit Saudi Arabia next year as it is the host of the 2020 G20 summit.

China, Iran, and Russia will hold joint naval drills starting on Friday in the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Oman, China's defence ministry said on Thursday，amid heightened tension in the region between Iran and the United States.

China, Iran, and Russia will hold joint naval drills starting on Friday in the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Oman, China's defence ministry said on Thursday，amid heightened tension in the region between Iran and the United States. China will send the Xining, a guided-missile destroyer, to the drills, which will last until Monday, and are meant to deepen cooperation between the three countries' navies, ministry spokesman Wu Qian told a monthly news briefing. The drill was a "normal military exchange" between the three armed forces and was in line with international law and practices, Wu said. "It is not necessarily connected with the regional situation," he said, without elaborating. The Gulf of Oman is a particularly sensitive waterway as it connects to the Strait of Hormuz through which about a fifth of the world's oil passes which in turn connects to the Gulf. The drills are also coming at a time of fraught tensions between the United States and Iran. Friction has increased since last year when US President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with six nations and re-imposed sanctions on it, crippling its economy. Washington has proposed a US-led naval mission after several attacks in May and June on international merchant vessels, including Saudi tankers, in Gulf waters which the United States blamed on Iran. It denies the accusations. Tension has risen in the region not only over Iran's disputed nuclear programme but also over a September attack on Saudi oil facilities blamed on Iran by the United States and Saudi Arabia. Iran also denies involvement. China has close diplomatic, trade and energy ties with Iran. But China also has good relations with Iran's regional rival Saudi Arabia, meaning it has long had to tread a fine line in a part of the world where it has traditionally exerted far less sway than the United States, Russia, France or Britain. Chinese President Xi Jinping is likely to visit Saudi Arabia next year as it is the host of the 2020 G20 summit.

China, Russia, Iran to hold joint naval drills starting Friday

How Indian Navy is calibrating its Indo-Pacific strategy

The power game in the seas is a challenging arena and India must realise the changing dynamics.&nbsp;

Strategic influence and trade supremacy - these battles will be fought on the Indian ocean.

And the question is simple - is India ready for the final frontier? How does India compare with other countries, especially China?

As always, numbers give perspective. According to the Global Firepower Index, the US tops the list, followed by Russia, China and India, but on the seas, China's navy is the clear leader.

One can check any metric, china's maritime power has multiplied in the last decade.

China's naval ambitions have two aspects:

One, the careful and gradual build-up to dominate the East China Sea, as well as, South China Sea. Two, Beijing wants more access to the Indian ocean

China has trade interests and territorial interests and it won't back down. It is buying access to crucial ports through big-ticket infrastructure loans.

In future, these ports could host China's military installations. The pattern is obvious and that brings us to India.

India's Navy is by no means inferior, but it's not enough to be on the back foot and play a catch-up - it's time to match-up with China.

There are 32 ships and submarines that are under construction. The Indian government has also approved the construction of another 56 warships and six submarines - as a part of its 10-year plan.

Some of these plans are already at an advanced stage. There is a 12 billion-dollar initiative called project 75I to acquire advanced submarines.&nbsp;

It's not just acquisition, India has also domestically built a nuclear-powered missile submarine - the INS Arihant.

This submarine has already completed its first deterrence patrol and will enable India to fire nuclear weapons across all routes - sea, air and land.

India has to boost its maritime power to counter China. It is making the right moves. India is strengthening ties with countries in the Indian Ocean region, like the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

India is engaging with strategic coalitions such as the QUAD (the four-nation bloc of India, Japan, Australia and America-- to counter China's maritime expansion).

In fact today, India's Navy chief admiral Karambir Singh highlighted the Navy's success in curbing piracy and reiterated the commitment to force modernisation of Indian Navy.&nbsp;

Not just that, Admiral Singh acknowledged the rise of China's influence in the Indian ocean but he expressed confidence in India's ability to meet any challenge on coastal security. The comments signify India's emphasis on naval supremacy in the Indian ocean.

About 40 per cent of India's trade happens with the littoral countries along the Indian Ocean rim. For maritime trade as well as security, the Indian Ocean region is the biggest game. India needs to put all its energy in preserving the advantages in the ocean and find new gains.

Without an iota of doubt, the sea is the next frontier. There are plenty of challenges, but there are truckloads of opportunities too for New Delhi. 
 
(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

The power game in the seas is a challenging arena and India must realise the changing dynamics. Strategic influence and trade supremacy - these battles will be fought on the Indian ocean.

The power game in the seas is a challenging arena and India must realise the changing dynamics. Strategic influence and trade supremacy - these battles will be fought on the Indian ocean. And the question is simple - is India ready for the final frontier? How does India compare with other countries, especially China? As always, numbers give perspective. According to the Global Firepower Index, the US tops the list, followed by Russia, China and India, but on the seas, China's navy is the clear leader. One can check any metric, china's maritime power has multiplied in the last decade. China's naval ambitions have two aspects: One, the careful and gradual build-up to dominate the East China Sea, as well as, South China Sea. Two, Beijing wants more access to the Indian ocean China has trade interests and territorial interests and it won't back down. It is buying access to crucial ports through big-ticket infrastructure loans. In future, these ports could host China's military installations. The pattern is obvious and that brings us to India. India's Navy is by no means inferior, but it's not enough to be on the back foot and play a catch-up - it's time to match-up with China. There are 32 ships and submarines that are under construction. The Indian government has also approved the construction of another 56 warships and six submarines - as a part of its 10-year plan. Some of these plans are already at an advanced stage. There is a 12 billion-dollar initiative called project 75I to acquire advanced submarines. It's not just acquisition, India has also domestically built a nuclear-powered missile submarine - the INS Arihant. This submarine has already completed its first deterrence patrol and will enable India to fire nuclear weapons across all routes - sea, air and land. India has to boost its maritime power to counter China. It is making the right moves. India is strengthening ties with countries in the Indian Ocean region, like the Maldives and Sri Lanka. India is engaging with strategic coalitions such as the QUAD (the four-nation bloc of India, Japan, Australia and America-- to counter China's maritime expansion). In fact today, India's Navy chief admiral Karambir Singh highlighted the Navy's success in curbing piracy and reiterated the commitment to force modernisation of Indian Navy. Not just that, Admiral Singh acknowledged the rise of China's influence in the Indian ocean but he expressed confidence in India's ability to meet any challenge on coastal security. The comments signify India's emphasis on naval supremacy in the Indian ocean. About 40 per cent of India's trade happens with the littoral countries along the Indian Ocean rim. For maritime trade as well as security, the Indian Ocean region is the biggest game. India needs to put all its energy in preserving the advantages in the ocean and find new gains. Without an iota of doubt, the sea is the next frontier. There are plenty of challenges, but there are truckloads of opportunities too for New Delhi. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: India vs China - battle for influence in Indian Ocean

Is Indian Ocean Region (I.O.R) The Final Frontier In The Battle For Influence Between India & China

WION Edit: Battle for influence in Indian Ocean: India versus China

&nbsp;Former Maldives president Abdulla Yameen was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison for money laundering on Thursday - as dozens of his supporters gathered outside the courtroom saying his was innocent.

Yameen, who ran the Maldives with an iron hand for five years, unexpectedly lost an election last year and has since faced investigations over a number of deals sealed during his tenure.

He was accused of receiving $1 million of government money through a private company as part of a deal to lease a number of tropical islands for hotel development - charges he has repeatedly dismissed.

Judge Ali Rasheed, who headed a panel of five judges trying the case, told the criminal court it had been established beyond any reasonable doubt that Yameen had taken money that he knew was embezzled from the state.

"The judges took over 10 days to deliberate on this and this is the unanimous verdict of the five judges," Rasheed said.

Yameen drew the Indian Ocean island country closer to China during his tenure from 2013-2018. Opposition critics accused him of giving contracts, including a major bridge and an extension to the international airport, to Chinese companies at inflated prices. He denied any wrongdoing.

Former Maldives president Abdulla Yameen was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison for money laundering on Thursday - as dozens of his supporters gathered outside the courtroom saying his was innocent.

Former Maldives president Abdulla Yameen was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison for money laundering on Thursday - as dozens of his supporters gathered outside the courtroom saying his was innocent. Yameen, who ran the Maldives with an iron hand for five years, unexpectedly lost an election last year and has since faced investigations over a number of deals sealed during his tenure. He was accused of receiving $1 million of government money through a private company as part of a deal to lease a number of tropical islands for hotel development - charges he has repeatedly dismissed. Judge Ali Rasheed, who headed a panel of five judges trying the case, told the criminal court it had been established beyond any reasonable doubt that Yameen had taken money that he knew was embezzled from the state. "The judges took over 10 days to deliberate on this and this is the unanimous verdict of the five judges," Rasheed said. Yameen drew the Indian Ocean island country closer to China during his tenure from 2013-2018. Opposition critics accused him of giving contracts, including a major bridge and an extension to the international airport, to Chinese companies at inflated prices. He denied any wrongdoing.

Maldives court gives former president Yameen 5-year prison term for money laundering

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/easter-bombing-caused-a-huge-loss-to-the-tourism-industry-sri-lankan-minister-243132">Sri Lanka's tourist arrivals</a> in September were down 27.2% from a year earlier as foreign visitors shunned the Indian Ocean island after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-orders-fresh-probe-into-easter-suicide-bombings-251180">attacks on Easter Sunday in April,</a> tourism bureau data showed on Monday.

Arrivals fell to 108,575 from 149,087 a year earlier and marked a sixth consecutive monthly fall.

Since the Easter Sunday attacks, the number of foreign visitors has fallen to the lowest level since the end of the country's civil war a decade ago.

Arrivals in the five months from May to September were down 44.4% to 468,737 from 843,569 a year earlier.

Sri Lanka's tourist arrivals in September were down 27.2% from a year earlier as foreign visitors shunned the Indian Ocean island after attacks on Easter Sunday in April, tourism bureau data showed on Monday.

Sri Lanka's tourist arrivals in September were down 27.2% from a year earlier as foreign visitors shunned the Indian Ocean island after attacks on Easter Sunday in April, tourism bureau data showed on Monday. Arrivals fell to 108,575 from 149,087 a year earlier and marked a sixth consecutive monthly fall. Since the Easter Sunday attacks, the number of foreign visitors has fallen to the lowest level since the end of the country's civil war a decade ago. Arrivals in the five months from May to September were down 44.4% to 468,737 from 843,569 a year earlier.

Sri Lanka tourist arrivals in September fall for 6th month

While in the Indian Ocean heading toward the Strait of Malacca, the very large crude carrier (VLCC) Pacific Bravo went dark on June 5, shutting off the transponder that signals its position and direction to other ships, ship-tracking data showed.

A&nbsp;US government official had warned ports in Asia not to allow the ship to dock, saying it was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oil-tanker-bound-for-syria-seized-in-gibraltar-for-sanctions-busting-233017">carrying Iranian crude in violation of&nbsp;US economic&nbsp;sanctions.</a>

A VLCC typically transports about 2 million barrels of&nbsp;oil, worth about $120 million at current prices.

On July 18, the transponder of the VLCC Latin Venture was activated offshore Port Dickson, Malaysia, in the Strait of Malacca, about 1,500 km (940 miles) from where the Pacific Bravo had last been signalling its position.

But both the Latin Venture and the Pacific Bravo transmitted the same unique identification number, IMO9206035, issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), according to data from information provider Refinitiv and VesselsValue, a company that tracks ships and vessel transactions.

Thomson Reuters has a minority stake in Refinitiv.

Since IMO numbers remain with a ship for life, this indicated the Latin Venture and the Pacific Bravo were the same vessel and suggested the owner was trying to&nbsp;evade&nbsp;Iranian&nbsp;oil sanctions.

"Without speculating on any particular shipowners' actions, generally speaking for a ship to change its&nbsp;name&nbsp;abruptly after receiving accusations from the&nbsp;US, it can only be that the owner is hopeful that the market will be deceived by something as rudimentary as a&nbsp;name&nbsp;change," said Matt Stanley, an&nbsp;oil&nbsp;broker at StarFuels in Dubai.

The vessel is&nbsp;owned&nbsp;by Kunlun Holdings, which, according to data from Equasis.org, a shipping transparency website set up by the European Commission and the French Maritime Administration, is based in Shanghai.

The company also has an office in Singapore.

Calls to the company's offices were unanswered.

While operating as the Pacific Bravo, the ship's transmission data showed that its cargo tanks were full before it turned off the transponder.&nbsp;

When it reappeared 42 days later as the Latin Venture, it was empty, according to Refinitiv and VesselsValue data.

Reuters was not able to ascertain where or if the&nbsp;oil&nbsp;onboard the Latin Venture was offloaded.

According to a statement from the Marine Department Malaysia, the Latin Venture entered Port Dickson on June 29 for a crew change and departed on July 18.

The statement said that no cargo was discharged.

The United States reimposed&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;on Iran in November after pulling out of a 2015 accord involving Tehran and six world powers that limited Iran's nuclear programme.&nbsp;

Aiming to cut Iran's&nbsp;oil&nbsp;sales to zero, Washington in May ended sanction waivers given to some importers of Iranian&nbsp;oil.

Iranian officials were not immediately available for comment.

&nbsp;Fax to&nbsp;China's Foreign Ministry asking for comment was not immediately answered.

Responding to a Reuters request for comment on its reaction to the&nbsp;name&nbsp;change, a&nbsp;US State Department spokesman said on Aug. 1: "We do not preview our&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;activities, but we will continue to look for ways to impose costs on Iran in an&nbsp;effort&nbsp;to convince the Iranian regime that its campaign of destabilising activities will entail significant costs."

After departing Port Dickson, the&nbsp;tanker&nbsp;sailed past Singapore to the southeastern coast of Malaysia and on July 25 it transmitted that its cargo tanks were nearly full

As of August 14, the ship remains there, ship-tracking data shows.

The origin of oil&nbsp;cargo could not be determined.

While in the Indian Ocean heading toward the Strait of Malacca, the very large crude carrier (VLCC) Pacific Bravo went dark on June 5, shutting off the transponder that signals its position and direction to other ships, ship-tracking data showed.

While in the Indian Ocean heading toward the Strait of Malacca, the very large crude carrier (VLCC) Pacific Bravo went dark on June 5, shutting off the transponder that signals its position and direction to other ships, ship-tracking data showed. A US government official had warned ports in Asia not to allow the ship to dock, saying it was carrying Iranian crude in violation of US economic sanctions. A VLCC typically transports about 2 million barrels of oil, worth about $120 million at current prices. On July 18, the transponder of the VLCC Latin Venture was activated offshore Port Dickson, Malaysia, in the Strait of Malacca, about 1,500 km (940 miles) from where the Pacific Bravo had last been signalling its position. But both the Latin Venture and the Pacific Bravo transmitted the same unique identification number, IMO9206035, issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), according to data from information provider Refinitiv and VesselsValue, a company that tracks ships and vessel transactions. Thomson Reuters has a minority stake in Refinitiv. Since IMO numbers remain with a ship for life, this indicated the Latin Venture and the Pacific Bravo were the same vessel and suggested the owner was trying to evade Iranian oil sanctions. "Without speculating on any particular shipowners' actions, generally speaking for a ship to change its name abruptly after receiving accusations from the US, it can only be that the owner is hopeful that the market will be deceived by something as rudimentary as a name change," said Matt Stanley, an oil broker at StarFuels in Dubai. The vessel is owned by Kunlun Holdings, which, according to data from Equasis.org, a shipping transparency website set up by the European Commission and the French Maritime Administration, is based in Shanghai. The company also has an office in Singapore. Calls to the company's offices were unanswered. While operating as the Pacific Bravo, the ship's transmission data showed that its cargo tanks were full before it turned off the transponder. When it reappeared 42 days later as the Latin Venture, it was empty, according to Refinitiv and VesselsValue data. Reuters was not able to ascertain where or if the oil onboard the Latin Venture was offloaded. According to a statement from the Marine Department Malaysia, the Latin Venture entered Port Dickson on June 29 for a crew change and departed on July 18. The statement said that no cargo was discharged. The United States reimposed sanctions on Iran in November after pulling out of a 2015 accord involving Tehran and six world powers that limited Iran's nuclear programme. Aiming to cut Iran's oil sales to zero, Washington in May ended sanction waivers given to some importers of Iranian oil. Iranian officials were not immediately available for comment. Fax to China's Foreign Ministry asking for comment was not immediately answered. Responding to a Reuters request for comment on its reaction to the name change, a US State Department spokesman said on Aug. 1: "We do not preview our sanctions activities, but we will continue to look for ways to impose costs on Iran in an effort to convince the Iranian regime that its campaign of destabilising activities will entail significant costs." After departing Port Dickson, the tanker sailed past Singapore to the southeastern coast of Malaysia and on July 25 it transmitted that its cargo tanks were nearly full As of August 14, the ship remains there, ship-tracking data shows. The origin of oil cargo could not be determined.

China-owned oil tanker changes the name in apparent effort to evade US sanctions

Sri Lanka could lose access to global debt markets if a new government shifts away from the country's current fiscal policy that's aimed at shoring up the economy and managing inflation, a central bank official said on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sri-lanka-president-vetoes-military-deal-with-washington-that-allows-us-troops-free-access-to-islands-ports-233571">The Indian Ocean island nation</a> is preparing for the presidential election later this year and a parliament election in 2020, which is causing uncertainty among investors over potential policy shifts.

'The question is whether any new government coming after elections will move in a different direction compared to what we have been, or rather this government, has been doing for the last four years,' Nandalal Weerasinghe, Senior Deputy Governor at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, told Reuters in an interview on Friday.

'If anyone tries to move away from this fiscal, macro-economic stability, they will not have access to global markets,' he said.

The economy cannot afford to lose access to global markets as it has to repay more than $16 billion in foreign loans over the next four years.

'Anyone who comes to power will have to make sure we have access to a global investor base so that we can meet payments in the next couple of years through market borrowings,' Weerasinghe said.

During Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's government, the central bank has tightened monetary policies to back the administration's overall goal of fiscal consolidation, an effort supported by a $1.5 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund.

Though Wickremesinghe is widely seen as a business-friendly leader, critics say his economic politics have stunted economic growth.

The central bank has introduced an inflation-targeting monetary policy and a flexible exchange rate transformed short-term high-cost borrowings to long-term lower-cost ones and reduced the outflow of foreign exchange for luxury goods.

SLOWED GROWTH

Those measures contributed to pulling down the economic growth rate in 2018 to an 18-year low of 3.2 per cent. A power tussle in 2018 for the prime minister's job and this year's Easter Islamist militant bombings, which killed more than 250 people, further weigh on the economy.

Weerasinghe of the central bank said proposed changes to monetary policy law, expected to win parliament approval soon, will help bolster the central bank's independence.

'Already there's central bank independence in the current law, and we are now proposing a new monetary act which will strengthen the central bank's independence as well as accountability to the public, to the parliament.'

Weerasinghe forecast 3 per cent growth this year.

In May, the central bank reduced the key interest rates by 50 basis points to boost credit growth and the economy.

There was still room to reduce market interest rates, Weerasinghe said.

'I don't see any reason to tighten at this point.'

He also said the central bank is in advance discussions to borrow $500 million from Japan via a bond sale this year.

Sri Lanka could lose access to global debt markets if a new government shifts away from the country's current fiscal policy that's aimed at shoring up the economy and managing inflation, a central bank official said on Friday.

Sri Lanka could lose access to global debt markets if a new government shifts away from the country's current fiscal policy that's aimed at shoring up the economy and managing inflation, a central bank official said on Friday. The Indian Ocean island nation is preparing for the presidential election later this year and a parliament election in 2020, which is causing uncertainty among investors over potential policy shifts. 'The question is whether any new government coming after elections will move in a different direction compared to what we have been, or rather this government, has been doing for the last four years,' Nandalal Weerasinghe, Senior Deputy Governor at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, told Reuters in an interview on Friday. 'If anyone tries to move away from this fiscal, macro-economic stability, they will not have access to global markets,' he said. The economy cannot afford to lose access to global markets as it has to repay more than $16 billion in foreign loans over the next four years. 'Anyone who comes to power will have to make sure we have access to a global investor base so that we can meet payments in the next couple of years through market borrowings,' Weerasinghe said. During Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's government, the central bank has tightened monetary policies to back the administration's overall goal of fiscal consolidation, an effort supported by a $1.5 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund. Though Wickremesinghe is widely seen as a business-friendly leader, critics say his economic politics have stunted economic growth. The central bank has introduced an inflation-targeting monetary policy and a flexible exchange rate transformed short-term high-cost borrowings to long-term lower-cost ones and reduced the outflow of foreign exchange for luxury goods. SLOWED GROWTH Those measures contributed to pulling down the economic growth rate in 2018 to an 18-year low of 3.2 per cent. A power tussle in 2018 for the prime minister's job and this year's Easter Islamist militant bombings, which killed more than 250 people, further weigh on the economy. Weerasinghe of the central bank said proposed changes to monetary policy law, expected to win parliament approval soon, will help bolster the central bank's independence. 'Already there's central bank independence in the current law, and we are now proposing a new monetary act which will strengthen the central bank's independence as well as accountability to the public, to the parliament.' Weerasinghe forecast 3 per cent growth this year. In May, the central bank reduced the key interest rates by 50 basis points to boost credit growth and the economy. There was still room to reduce market interest rates, Weerasinghe said. 'I don't see any reason to tighten at this point.' He also said the central bank is in advance discussions to borrow $500 million from Japan via a bond sale this year.

Sri Lanka risks losing debt market access if future government policy changes

How The U.S.-Sri Lanka Military Pact Could Impact China The military pact between the U.S. and Sri Lanka will ring alarm bells to China. So far, China has built its influence in Indian Ocean Region. Will the arrival of the U.S. is Sri Lanka make it hard for China to maintain its hegemony in Sri Lanka? Palki explains

Gravitas: US-Sri Lanka military pact: What does it mean for China

As India scrambles to counter China's expanding footprint in Sri Lanka, negotiation over a military pact with the US threatens to split the strategically located Indian Ocean island's polity again.

Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe announced in parliament on Wednesday that the island nation is negotiating a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-pm-wickremesinghe-negotiating-new-military-deal-with-us-as-president-sirisena-vows-to-veto-agreement-234805">new military cooperation pact</a> with the United States which seeks to replace the 1995 Status of Forces (SoFA) arrangement. The new greement, if signed, would allow the US military easier access to Sri Lanka.

Wickremesinghe told the federal legislature that the deal would not hurt Sri Lanka's sovereignty. He said that the deal would not allow the US to set up - as critics argue - a military base on the island.

Replying to a question raised by a lawmaker belonging to the communist party, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe said that the status of forces agreement was signed in 1995 by the then-government of president Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga.

It establishes the framework for US military personnel to operate in Sri Lanka.

The other pact - known as the Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA) - was signed by the then defence minister Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2007. It was renewed in August 2017 without making changes to its contents. The ACSA extends diplomatic privileges to military personnel and defence contractors.

Wickremesinghe's comments came days after President Sirisena said he would not let the government headed by his pro-West arch-rival conclude any deal that would either give the US forces a military base in Sri Lanka or challenge the country's sovereignty.

Wickremesinghe is expected to run against Sirisena for President later this year.

For New Delhi, a renewed US interest in Sri Lanka, especially after the April 21 terror attacks in the country, would act as a countervailing force against China's increasing footprint in India's backyard.

India has signed military deals with the US that are similar to the one being negotiated by Sri Lanka.

India and the US signed what is known as the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Mgreement (LEMM) in 2016 which gives both countries access to designated military facilities on either side for refuelling, joint exercises and training.

Another agreement - the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (CCSA) signed in 2018 - enables secure encrypted communications and facilitates interoperability between militaries and sale of high-end technology.

The US foray into Sri Lanka would not go unnoticed in China.

The US worries that China has stepped up investment in ports and other projects on the island, which is a key link in Beijing's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative. China has vowed to keep providing financial help, including loans, to Sri Lanka despite warnings about the nation's mounting debt.

In 2017, Sri Lanka gave a 99-year lease on a strategic port in Hambantota to Beijing because it could not repay Chinese loans for the US $1.4 billion project. The Hambantota port straddles the world's busiest East-West shipping route and also gives a strategic foothold to China in a region long dominated by India.

On June 8, a Chinese warship docked at capital Colombo. It has been given to the Sri Lankan navy for patrolling and surveillance missions. The ship arrived two days after President Sirisena opposed a military deal with the US.

The developments highlight the competition between China and the US for influence in Sri Lanka as India watches from the sidelines.

As India scrambles to counter China's expanding footprint in Sri Lanka, negotiation over a military pact with the US threatens to split the strategically located Indian Ocean island's polity again.

As India scrambles to counter China's expanding footprint in Sri Lanka, negotiation over a military pact with the US threatens to split the strategically located Indian Ocean island's polity again. Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe announced in parliament on Wednesday that the island nation is negotiating a new military cooperation pact with the United States which seeks to replace the 1995 Status of Forces (SoFA) arrangement. The new greement, if signed, would allow the US military easier access to Sri Lanka. Wickremesinghe told the federal legislature that the deal would not hurt Sri Lanka's sovereignty. He said that the deal would not allow the US to set up - as critics argue - a military base on the island. Replying to a question raised by a lawmaker belonging to the communist party, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe said that the status of forces agreement was signed in 1995 by the then-government of president Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga. It establishes the framework for US military personnel to operate in Sri Lanka. The other pact - known as the Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA) - was signed by the then defence minister Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2007. It was renewed in August 2017 without making changes to its contents. The ACSA extends diplomatic privileges to military personnel and defence contractors. Wickremesinghe's comments came days after President Sirisena said he would not let the government headed by his pro-West arch-rival conclude any deal that would either give the US forces a military base in Sri Lanka or challenge the country's sovereignty. Wickremesinghe is expected to run against Sirisena for President later this year. For New Delhi, a renewed US interest in Sri Lanka, especially after the April 21 terror attacks in the country, would act as a countervailing force against China's increasing footprint in India's backyard. India has signed military deals with the US that are similar to the one being negotiated by Sri Lanka. India and the US signed what is known as the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Mgreement (LEMM) in 2016 which gives both countries access to designated military facilities on either side for refuelling, joint exercises and training. Another agreement - the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (CCSA) signed in 2018 - enables secure encrypted communications and facilitates interoperability between militaries and sale of high-end technology. The US foray into Sri Lanka would not go unnoticed in China. The US worries that China has stepped up investment in ports and other projects on the island, which is a key link in Beijing's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative. China has vowed to keep providing financial help, including loans, to Sri Lanka despite warnings about the nation's mounting debt. In 2017, Sri Lanka gave a 99-year lease on a strategic port in Hambantota to Beijing because it could not repay Chinese loans for the US $1.4 billion project. The Hambantota port straddles the world's busiest East-West shipping route and also gives a strategic foothold to China in a region long dominated by India. On June 8, a Chinese warship docked at capital Colombo. It has been given to the Sri Lankan navy for patrolling and surveillance missions. The ship arrived two days after President Sirisena opposed a military deal with the US. The developments highlight the competition between China and the US for influence in Sri Lanka as India watches from the sidelines.

India, China watch keenly as Sri Lanka negotiates new military deal with US

Admiral Karambir Singh on Friday assumed charge as the 24th chief of the Indian Navy, becoming the first helicopter pilot to helm the force.&nbsp;

He succeeds Admiral Sunil Lanba who retired after a distinguished career spanning over four decades.&nbsp;

Before appointed to the top post, he served as the Flag Officer Commanding in Chief (FOC-in-C) of the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam.

As Navy chief, Admiral Singh's immediate priority will be to expedite the long-delayed modernisation of the Indian Navy, including by inducting new warships, submarines and aircraft.

At present, the Navy has around 132 ships, 220 aircraft and 15 submarines.&nbsp;

Admiral Singh is also expected to focus on the expansion of India's presence and overall influence in the Indian Ocean region where China has been fast increasing its presence.

His promotion was challenged by Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command Vice Admiral Bimal Verma on grounds of seniority.&nbsp;

However, the Defence ministry <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/defence-ministry-rejects-vice-admiral-bimal-vermas-petition-challenging-appointment-of-navy-chief-219697">rejected Vice Admiral Verma's petition</a> following which he approached a military tribunal.&nbsp;

The Armed Forces Tribunal here allowed Admiral Singh to take charge as the new Navy chief, holding that his continuation will depend on the final outcome of the case. The next date of hearing in the case is July 17.

Admiral Singh is scheduled to continue in the post till November 2021.

An alumnus of the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla, he held various key positions in the Navy in a career spanning over 39 years.

Commissioned into the Indian Navy in July 1980, he earned his wings as a helicopter pilot in 1981 and has flown extensively on the Chetak (Alouette) and Kamov helicopters.&nbsp;

He is a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and College of Naval Warfare, Mumbai.&nbsp;

Admiral Singh has commanded Indian Coast Guard Ship Chandbibi, Missile Corvette INS Vijaydurg, as well as two Guided Missile Destroyers, INS Rana and INS Delhi.&nbsp;

He has also served as the Fleet Operations Officer of the Western Fleet. Ashore, he has served at Naval Headquarters as the Joint Director Naval Air Staff, and as Captain Air and Officer-in-Charge of the Naval Air Station at Mumbai.&nbsp;

On promotion to flag rank, the Admiral was appointed as the Chief of Staff, Eastern Naval Command.&nbsp;

In the rank of Vice Admiral, he was also the Director General of Project Seabird, looking after infrastructure development of the Navy's modern base at Karwar.&nbsp;

His other important flag appointments include Chief of Staff of the Tri-Services Unified Command at Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra and Gujarat Naval Area (FOMAG).

At the Integrated Headquarters Ministry of Defence (Navy), the Admiral had served as the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff and, subsequently, the Vice Chief of Naval Staff. He is the first helicopter pilot to become Chief of Naval Staff.&nbsp;

Admiral Lanba, who retired on Friday, was an ardent supporter of tri-services Jointmanship and was instrumental in harmonising the efforts of the three Services in a number of critical areas.

The Navy chief retires after a three-year tenure or after attaining 62 years of age, whichever is earlier.

Admiral Karambir Singh on Friday assumed charge as the 24th chief of the Indian Navy, becoming the first helicopter pilot to helm the force. He succeeds Admiral Sunil Lanba who retired after a distinguished career spanning over four decades.

Admiral Karambir Singh on Friday assumed charge as the 24th chief of the Indian Navy, becoming the first helicopter pilot to helm the force. He succeeds Admiral Sunil Lanba who retired after a distinguished career spanning over four decades. Before appointed to the top post, he served as the Flag Officer Commanding in Chief (FOC-in-C) of the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam. As Navy chief, Admiral Singh's immediate priority will be to expedite the long-delayed modernisation of the Indian Navy, including by inducting new warships, submarines and aircraft. At present, the Navy has around 132 ships, 220 aircraft and 15 submarines. Admiral Singh is also expected to focus on the expansion of India's presence and overall influence in the Indian Ocean region where China has been fast increasing its presence. His promotion was challenged by Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command Vice Admiral Bimal Verma on grounds of seniority. However, the Defence ministry rejected Vice Admiral Verma's petition following which he approached a military tribunal. The Armed Forces Tribunal here allowed Admiral Singh to take charge as the new Navy chief, holding that his continuation will depend on the final outcome of the case. The next date of hearing in the case is July 17. Admiral Singh is scheduled to continue in the post till November 2021. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla, he held various key positions in the Navy in a career spanning over 39 years. Commissioned into the Indian Navy in July 1980, he earned his wings as a helicopter pilot in 1981 and has flown extensively on the Chetak (Alouette) and Kamov helicopters. He is a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and College of Naval Warfare, Mumbai. Admiral Singh has commanded Indian Coast Guard Ship Chandbibi, Missile Corvette INS Vijaydurg, as well as two Guided Missile Destroyers, INS Rana and INS Delhi. He has also served as the Fleet Operations Officer of the Western Fleet. Ashore, he has served at Naval Headquarters as the Joint Director Naval Air Staff, and as Captain Air and Officer-in-Charge of the Naval Air Station at Mumbai. On promotion to flag rank, the Admiral was appointed as the Chief of Staff, Eastern Naval Command. In the rank of Vice Admiral, he was also the Director General of Project Seabird, looking after infrastructure development of the Navy's modern base at Karwar. His other important flag appointments include Chief of Staff of the Tri-Services Unified Command at Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra and Gujarat Naval Area (FOMAG). At the Integrated Headquarters Ministry of Defence (Navy), the Admiral had served as the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff and, subsequently, the Vice Chief of Naval Staff. He is the first helicopter pilot to become Chief of Naval Staff. Admiral Lanba, who retired on Friday, was an ardent supporter of tri-services Jointmanship and was instrumental in harmonising the efforts of the three Services in a number of critical areas. The Navy chief retires after a three-year tenure or after attaining 62 years of age, whichever is earlier.

Admiral Karambir Singh assumes charge as new chief of Naval Staff

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