Today, Narendra Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to chair a UN Security Council Debate. Prime Minister Modi shared a 5-point roadmap with world leaders to enhance maritime security. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Narendra Modi becomes 1st Indian PM to chair UNSC session, lays roadmap for maritime security

India presented a holistic approach to maritime security at the UN Security Council. Palki Sharma tells you why India's strategy stands a greater chance of creating a broader alliance against China.

Gravitas: India's maritime strategy decoded

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level United Nations Security Council open debate on enhancing maritime security and the need for international cooperation in this field. PM Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to preside over a UNSC open debate.

India chairs UNSC debate; On the agenda: safe and secure maritime

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level United Nations Security Council open debate on enhancing maritime security and the need for international cooperation in this field. PM Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to preside over a UNSC open debate.

Indian PM Modi chairs high-level debate at UNSC on enhancing maritime security

Cambodia has razed a US-funded defence facility on its southern coast, the deputy prime minister confirmed Sunday, the latest move in the ongoing controversial expansion of a strategically crucial naval base being developed with Chinese aid.

The Wall Street Journal reported last year on a secret draft deal allowing China to dock warships at the Ream naval base near the kingdom's coastal city of Sihanoukville.&nbsp;

But Cambodia — awash in recent years with Chinese investments — has strenuously denied the report, although strongman premier Hun Sen has said aid from Beijing will fund the naval base's development.&nbsp;

Satellite images released by the Center for Strategic and International Studies this week showed a US-funded facility on Ream's naval base had been demolished, raising questions "about rumoured Chinese access", said the Washington-based think tank.&nbsp;

But Tea Banh, Cambodia's deputy prime minister and defence minister, dismissed concerns Sunday.&nbsp;

"We relocated the facility to a new spot. We cannot keep it anymore and the building is already old," he told AFP, confirming that it was knocked down last month.&nbsp;

The Tactical Headquarters of the National Committee for Maritime Security was inaugurated in 2012.&nbsp;

It will be "far better" in its new location, Tea Banh said, adding that Cambodia used "only a small assistance" from the US for the now-demolished building.

The new facility is currently under construction about 30 kilometres (18 miles) north of Ream.&nbsp;

The Ream base has generated scrutiny for its strategic location in the Gulf of Thailand, which would provide ready access to the fiercely contested South China Sea — a key global shipping route.

Beijing claims the majority of the resource-rich sea, vying with six other countries.

Hun Sen has repeatedly insisted Cambodia's constitution forbids any foreign military base within its borders.&nbsp;

Analysts say the wily premier is deeply attuned to the potential for an anti-China backlash from the public -- especially in Sihanoukville, where businesses and casinos are largely now Chinese-owned.&nbsp;

One of the world's longest-serving leaders, Hun Sen has in recent years tilted away from the US due to Washington's criticism of his government's alleged abuses.&nbsp;

On Saturday night, he issued a public letter wishing US President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a> a "speedy recovery" from the coronavirus.&nbsp;

Cambodia has razed a US-funded defence facility on its southern coast, the deputy prime minister confirmed Sunday, the latest move in the ongoing controversial expansion of a strategically crucial naval base being developed with Chinese aid.

Cambodia has razed a US-funded defence facility on its southern coast, the deputy prime minister confirmed Sunday, the latest move in the ongoing controversial expansion of a strategically crucial naval base being developed with Chinese aid. The Wall Street Journal reported last year on a secret draft deal allowing China to dock warships at the Ream naval base near the kingdom's coastal city of Sihanoukville. But Cambodia — awash in recent years with Chinese investments — has strenuously denied the report, although strongman premier Hun Sen has said aid from Beijing will fund the naval base's development. Satellite images released by the Center for Strategic and International Studies this week showed a US-funded facility on Ream's naval base had been demolished, raising questions "about rumoured Chinese access", said the Washington-based think tank. But Tea Banh, Cambodia's deputy prime minister and defence minister, dismissed concerns Sunday. "We relocated the facility to a new spot. We cannot keep it anymore and the building is already old," he told AFP, confirming that it was knocked down last month. The Tactical Headquarters of the National Committee for Maritime Security was inaugurated in 2012. It will be "far better" in its new location, Tea Banh said, adding that Cambodia used "only a small assistance" from the US for the now-demolished building. The new facility is currently under construction about 30 kilometres (18 miles) north of Ream. The Ream base has generated scrutiny for its strategic location in the Gulf of Thailand, which would provide ready access to the fiercely contested South China Sea — a key global shipping route. Beijing claims the majority of the resource-rich sea, vying with six other countries. Hun Sen has repeatedly insisted Cambodia's constitution forbids any foreign military base within its borders. Analysts say the wily premier is deeply attuned to the potential for an anti-China backlash from the public -- especially in Sihanoukville, where businesses and casinos are largely now Chinese-owned. One of the world's longest-serving leaders, Hun Sen has in recent years tilted away from the US due to Washington's criticism of his government's alleged abuses. On Saturday night, he issued a public letter wishing US President Donald Trump a "speedy recovery" from the coronavirus.

Cambodia confirms US-funded defence facility has been razed

India and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/madagascar-welcomes-indias-help-to-deal-with-floods-pm-ntsay-says-indian-navys-presence-is-welcomed-278056">Madagascar </a>on Thursday discussed maritime security cooperation, as part of their efforts to ramp up defence presence in western Indian Ocean.

On the second day of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/defence-expo-2020-showcases-indias-potential-to-become-a-manufacturing-hub-278918">DefExpo 2020</a>, Union Defence Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/defence-expo-2020-showcases-indias-potential-to-become-a-manufacturing-hub-278918">Rajnath Singh</a> held dialogue with Lieutenant General Rokotonirina Richard, his counterpart in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/madagascar-welcomes-indias-help-to-deal-with-floods-pm-ntsay-says-indian-navys-presence-is-welcomed-278056">Madagascar</a>, an Indian Ocean island nation off the coast of East Africa and discussed a gamut of issues related to strategic partnership.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/madagascar-welcomes-indias-help-to-deal-with-floods-pm-ntsay-says-indian-navys-presence-is-welcomed-278056">Madagascar welcomes India's help to deal with floods; PM Ntsay says Indian Navy's presence is welcomed</a>

During the discussions, Singh stressed on enhancing ties in maritime security cooperation in the region, an official release said.

Singh said as maritime neighbours both countries have responsibility to ensure a secure maritime environment so that trade and commerce flourish.

Underlining the Indian president's visit to Madagascar in March 2018, he said the historic visit reaffirmed the excellent bilateral relationship between the two nations.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-deploys-ins-airavat-to-flood-ravaged-madagascar-for-humanitarian-assistance-277156">India deploys INS Airavat to flood-ravaged Madagascar for humanitarian assistance</a>

He emphasised that the MoU signed during the visit provided an enabling framework for defence cooperation between the two sides.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/defence-expo-2020-showcases-indias-potential-to-become-a-manufacturing-hub-278918">DefExpo 2020</a> would provide a platform for both the countries to further strengthen the defence ties and in exploring various areas of mutual engagement, Singh said.

Gen Richard acknowledged that India has a great role to play in preserving security in the Indian ocean maritime region.

He expressed his government's sincere gratitude for 'Operation Vanilla', in which the Indian Navy provided assistance to the affected population of Madagascar post devastation caused by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/madagascar-welcomes-indias-help-to-deal-with-floods-pm-ntsay-says-indian-navys-presence-is-welcomed-278056">Cyclone Diane</a>.

The defence minister of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/madagascar-welcomes-indias-help-to-deal-with-floods-pm-ntsay-says-indian-navys-presence-is-welcomed-278056">Madagascar </a>invited Singh to the independence day celebrations on June 26 this year.&nbsp;

India and Madagascar on Thursday discussed maritime security cooperation, as part of their efforts to ramp up defence presence in western Indian Ocean. On the second day of DefExpo 2020, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held dialogue with Lieutenant General Rokotonirina Richard, his counterpart in Madagascar, an Indian Ocean island nation off the coast of East Africa and discussed a gamut of issues related to strategic partnership.

India and Madagascar on Thursday discussed maritime security cooperation, as part of their efforts to ramp up defence presence in western Indian Ocean. On the second day of DefExpo 2020, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held dialogue with Lieutenant General Rokotonirina Richard, his counterpart in Madagascar, an Indian Ocean island nation off the coast of East Africa and discussed a gamut of issues related to strategic partnership. Also read: Madagascar welcomes India's help to deal with floods; PM Ntsay says Indian Navy's presence is welcomed During the discussions, Singh stressed on enhancing ties in maritime security cooperation in the region, an official release said. Singh said as maritime neighbours both countries have responsibility to ensure a secure maritime environment so that trade and commerce flourish. Underlining the Indian president's visit to Madagascar in March 2018, he said the historic visit reaffirmed the excellent bilateral relationship between the two nations. Also read: India deploys INS Airavat to flood-ravaged Madagascar for humanitarian assistance He emphasised that the MoU signed during the visit provided an enabling framework for defence cooperation between the two sides. The DefExpo 2020 would provide a platform for both the countries to further strengthen the defence ties and in exploring various areas of mutual engagement, Singh said. Gen Richard acknowledged that India has a great role to play in preserving security in the Indian ocean maritime region. He expressed his government's sincere gratitude for 'Operation Vanilla', in which the Indian Navy provided assistance to the affected population of Madagascar post devastation caused by Cyclone Diane. The defence minister of Madagascar invited Singh to the independence day celebrations on June 26 this year.

India holds talks with Madagascar on maritime security tie-up

India's foreign minister S Jaishankar on Thursday a held a meeting with leaders of United States, and Japan on maritime security and connectivity int he Indo-Pacific region.&nbsp;

Along with Jaishankar, the meeting was attended by US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and Japanese politician Toshimitsu Motegi.

"Positive meeting with @MarisePayne, @DrSJaishankar, and @moteging. We discussed our shared interest in building a free and open #IndoPacific, denuclearisation of #NorthKorea, and joint efforts to promote regional stability," Pompeo wrote on Twitter after the talks.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Positive meeting with <a href="https://twitter.com/MarisePayne?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MarisePayne</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrSJaishankar</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/moteging?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@moteging</a>. We discussed our shared interest in building a free and open <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndoPacific?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndoPacific</a>, denuclearization of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NorthKorea?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NorthKorea</a>, and joint efforts to promote regional stability. <a href="https://t.co/BBwS6EOukq">pic.twitter.com/BBwS6EOukq</a>
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo/status/1177313176532258817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary of the State Department's Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA), Alice Wells, tweeted, "Thrilled to join @SecPompeo and foreign ministers of #Australia, #India, and #Japan to deepen our partnership on connectivity, maritime security, and cyber in the #IndoPacific."&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Thrilled to join <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecPompeo</a> and foreign ministers of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Australia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Australia</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Japan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Japan</a> to deepen our partnership on connectivity, maritime security, and cyber in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndoPacific?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndoPacific</a>. Look forward to meeting again on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit in November. AGW <a href="https://t.co/w9JF6eQ2xw">pic.twitter.com/w9JF6eQ2xw</a>
— State_SCA (@State_SCA) <a href="https://twitter.com/State_SCA/status/1177319419372023808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The meeting took place on the margins of the ongoing session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The trio is expected to meet once again on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit in November.

India's foreign minister S Jaishankar on Thursday a held a meeting with leaders of United States, and Japan on maritime security and connectivity int he Indo-Pacific region.

India's foreign minister S Jaishankar on Thursday a held a meeting with leaders of United States, and Japan on maritime security and connectivity int he Indo-Pacific region. Along with Jaishankar, the meeting was attended by US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and Japanese politician Toshimitsu Motegi. "Positive meeting with @MarisePayne, @DrSJaishankar, and @moteging. We discussed our shared interest in building a free and open #IndoPacific, denuclearisation of #NorthKorea, and joint efforts to promote regional stability," Pompeo wrote on Twitter after the talks. Positive meeting with @MarisePayne, @DrSJaishankar, and @moteging. We discussed our shared interest in building a free and open #IndoPacific, denuclearization of #NorthKorea, and joint efforts to promote regional stability. pic.twitter.com/BBwS6EOukq — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) September 26, 2019 × Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary of the State Department's Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA), Alice Wells, tweeted, "Thrilled to join @SecPompeo and foreign ministers of #Australia, #India, and #Japan to deepen our partnership on connectivity, maritime security, and cyber in the #IndoPacific." Thrilled to join @SecPompeo and foreign ministers of #Australia, #India, and #Japan to deepen our partnership on connectivity, maritime security, and cyber in the #IndoPacific. Look forward to meeting again on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit in November. AGW pic.twitter.com/w9JF6eQ2xw — State_SCA (@State_SCA) September 26, 2019 × The meeting took place on the margins of the ongoing session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The trio is expected to meet once again on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit in November.

Jaishankar, Mike Pompeo, Japan's Motegi hold talks on maritime security, connectivity in Indo-Pacific region

India and the US discussed regional maritime security issues during the fourth round of the India-US Maritime Security Dialogue held on August 23, the External Affairs Ministry said on Tuesday.

A ministry release said that the meeting was held in Monterey, California.

The Indian delegation was led by Indra Mani Pandey, Additional Secretary (Disarmament and International Security Affairs) in the External Affairs Ministry, and Richa Misra, Joint Secretary (Navy), Ministry of Defence.

Ambassador Alice Wells, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Department of State, and Randall Schriver, Assistant Secretary of Defence for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs led the US delegation.

"During the dialogue, the two sides discussed regional maritime security issues and exchanged views on ways to further strengthen bilateral maritime security cooperation," the release said.

The two sides also reviewed the implementation of the decisions taken during the earlier three rounds of maritime security dialogue.

It was agreed to hold the next round of the dialogue in India on a mutually convenient date.&nbsp;

India and the US discussed regional maritime security issues during the fourth round of the India-US Maritime Security Dialogue held on August 23, the External Affairs Ministry said on Tuesday.

India and the US discussed regional maritime security issues during the fourth round of the India-US Maritime Security Dialogue held on August 23, the External Affairs Ministry said on Tuesday. A ministry release said that the meeting was held in Monterey, California. The Indian delegation was led by Indra Mani Pandey, Additional Secretary (Disarmament and International Security Affairs) in the External Affairs Ministry, and Richa Misra, Joint Secretary (Navy), Ministry of Defence. Ambassador Alice Wells, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Department of State, and Randall Schriver, Assistant Secretary of Defence for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs led the US delegation. "During the dialogue, the two sides discussed regional maritime security issues and exchanged views on ways to further strengthen bilateral maritime security cooperation," the release said. The two sides also reviewed the implementation of the decisions taken during the earlier three rounds of maritime security dialogue. It was agreed to hold the next round of the dialogue in India on a mutually convenient date.

India, US discuss regional maritime security issues

When the global community started using the terminology &lsquo;Indo-Pacific&rsquo; instead of &lsquo;Asia &ndash;Pacific&rsquo;, it was not merely a change in terminology, but it indicated a global maritime security concern due to Chinese island grabbing adventures and luring smaller countries to establish military bases in Indian Ocean Region (IOR), besides South and East China Sea. Both the oceans exist as a single water body with few choke points separating them, but the term Indo-Pacific indicates the maritime shift with some signalling to resent Chinese over aggressive moves with additional bases in IOR (Increasing Pearls of the String) and incremental encroachment in South and East China Sea.&nbsp;

The forthcoming visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to India towards this weekend is relevant in this context of Maritime security of IOR, besides other important expectations like nuclear cooperation and possible agreement between NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited) and EDF (of France) on six nuclear reactors, helping out India in indigenisation and maintenance of reactors. France is a major exporter of planes including fighter planes, helicopters, packaged medicaments and cars for which India is an emerging market, and a major importer of oil for which security of Gulf is important. Hence, they have managed to have military bases in Abu Dhabi and Djibouti. In both cases, there is a natural convergence of interests between India and France. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Looking from French point of view, its volume of trade transhipments in Indo- Pacific region is very limited when compared to QUAD countries (U.S.A, Japan, India and Australia) hence its concerns are also expected to be limited. French stakes in IOR however, are relatively much higher; hence it holds military bases in Djibouti, Abu Dhabi and Reunion Islands to look after its real state, which includes ten islands as part of French overseas territory. This happens to be the maximum held by any country as overseas territory, including approximately 11 million sq. km of exclusive economic zone especially in the Mozambique Channel. &nbsp;France also has some assets in South Pacific, which it will like to secure in conjunction with Australia. The French interests, therefore, will be limited to IOR and later possibly South Pacific. It, therefore, has a limited congruence of security interests with QUAD, and may not be taking an anti-Chinese position, more so after the visit of President Macron there.

India should be looking at a strategic partnership with France, with formal agreements to allow India logistics access to French military bases and vice versa, in IOR for mutual security interest on lines of LEMOA&nbsp;(Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement). We should also be looking at architecture for intelligence sharing, anti-piracy and disaster relief measures. I do not visualise that France will walk into any anti-Chinese arrangement including anything related to QUAD; hence the talks would be within the bounds of bilateralism and IOR for the time being. Post-release White Paper of Australia on its National Security last year and US National Security Strategy recently, the maritime concerns of Australia also are inter-woven with India and IOR, and have become a global concern. An offer of negotiating for joint exercises with France and Australia in Indian Ocean to improve interoperability may not be a bad idea. The fact that France has a base in Abu Dhabi, and its security interests are converging with Indians, some mutually beneficial arrangements could be discussed for future trilateral negotiations.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
India has to deal with a new strategic dynamics in IOR with increasing Chinese footprints. China in few decades grew from Brown to Blue-water Naval status, knocking off first and second island chains, went on to island grabbing spree and now it continues to acquire as many bases in IOR as it can, to protect its maritime road and make its BRI succeed. The additional bases of China in IOR have limited capability in view of inadequate air power, and its aircraft carriers will still take quite sometimes to be able to be fully effective in IOR in comparison with Indian and other Navies operating there. Although Indian Navy is well poised to protect Indian interests in IOR, yet it needs to be seriously concerned with growing hostile capability and needs to take concrete steps in capacity building.&nbsp;

Towards this end, a strategic partnership with France to be able to use their military bases will serve our mutual interest. In fact, India itself should start looking for military bases at strategically crucial locations and offer similar facilities to French Navy. The French Defence equipment can also be looked at for capacity building. India should look beyond getting some islands in Seychelles and Mauritius to cut down reaction time with reciprocal facilities to France from our existing naval bases. With this as a backdrop, it will be interesting to see how far France is ready to sail with India in IOR. &nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

France has a limited congruence of security interests with QUAD, and may not be taking an anti-Chinese position. Thus India has to deal with a new strategic dynamics with France in IOR with increasing Chinese footprints.

When the global community started using the terminology ‘Indo-Pacific’ instead of ‘Asia –Pacific’, it was not merely a change in terminology, but it indicated a global maritime security concern due to Chinese island grabbing adventures and luring smaller countries to establish military bases in Indian Ocean Region (IOR), besides South and East China Sea. Both the oceans exist as a single water body with few choke points separating them, but the term Indo-Pacific indicates the maritime shift with some signalling to resent Chinese over aggressive moves with additional bases in IOR (Increasing Pearls of the String) and incremental encroachment in South and East China Sea. The forthcoming visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to India towards this weekend is relevant in this context of Maritime security of IOR, besides other important expectations like nuclear cooperation and possible agreement between NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited) and EDF (of France) on six nuclear reactors, helping out India in indigenisation and maintenance of reactors. France is a major exporter of planes including fighter planes, helicopters, packaged medicaments and cars for which India is an emerging market, and a major importer of oil for which security of Gulf is important. Hence, they have managed to have military bases in Abu Dhabi and Djibouti. In both cases, there is a natural convergence of interests between India and France. Looking from French point of view, its volume of trade transhipments in Indo- Pacific region is very limited when compared to QUAD countries (U.S.A, Japan, India and Australia) hence its concerns are also expected to be limited. French stakes in IOR however, are relatively much higher; hence it holds military bases in Djibouti, Abu Dhabi and Reunion Islands to look after its real state, which includes ten islands as part of French overseas territory. This happens to be the maximum held by any country as overseas territory, including approximately 11 million sq. km of exclusive economic zone especially in the Mozambique Channel. France also has some assets in South Pacific, which it will like to secure in conjunction with Australia. The French interests, therefore, will be limited to IOR and later possibly South Pacific. It, therefore, has a limited congruence of security interests with QUAD, and may not be taking an anti-Chinese position, more so after the visit of President Macron there. India should be looking at a strategic partnership with France, with formal agreements to allow India logistics access to French military bases and vice versa, in IOR for mutual security interest on lines of LEMOA (Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement). We should also be looking at architecture for intelligence sharing, anti-piracy and disaster relief measures. I do not visualise that France will walk into any anti-Chinese arrangement including anything related to QUAD; hence the talks would be within the bounds of bilateralism and IOR for the time being. Post-release White Paper of Australia on its National Security last year and US National Security Strategy recently, the maritime concerns of Australia also are inter-woven with India and IOR, and have become a global concern. An offer of negotiating for joint exercises with France and Australia in Indian Ocean to improve interoperability may not be a bad idea. The fact that France has a base in Abu Dhabi, and its security interests are converging with Indians, some mutually beneficial arrangements could be discussed for future trilateral negotiations. India has to deal with a new strategic dynamics in IOR with increasing Chinese footprints. China in few decades grew from Brown to Blue-water Naval status, knocking off first and second island chains, went on to island grabbing spree and now it continues to acquire as many bases in IOR as it can, to protect its maritime road and make its BRI succeed. The additional bases of China in IOR have limited capability in view of inadequate air power, and its aircraft carriers will still take quite sometimes to be able to be fully effective in IOR in comparison with Indian and other Navies operating there. Although Indian Navy is well poised to protect Indian interests in IOR, yet it needs to be seriously concerned with growing hostile capability and needs to take concrete steps in capacity building. Towards this end, a strategic partnership with France to be able to use their military bases will serve our mutual interest. In fact, India itself should start looking for military bases at strategically crucial locations and offer similar facilities to French Navy. The French Defence equipment can also be looked at for capacity building. India should look beyond getting some islands in Seychelles and Mauritius to cut down reaction time with reciprocal facilities to France from our existing naval bases. With this as a backdrop, it will be interesting to see how far France is ready to sail with India in IOR. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: On visit to India, French President Macron may not take anti-China position

Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba on Monday admitted that there has been a significant rise in presence of Chinese ships and submarines in the Indian Ocean region.

However, Lanba in an exclusive interview to WION, assured that India&#39;s maritime security is absolutely secure and Navy is keeping a close watch on Chinese activities in the Indian Ocean

&quot;Indian Ocean is the only ocean named after a country. We have a great maritime heritage. Chinese ships are in the Indian Ocean since 2008 and they have a lot of ships and submarines deployed here,&quot; Lanba said.

We are aware of what is happening and last year, we started a new deployment pattern which is mission-based deployment. We monitor all movements and the Indian Navy is fully capable of ensuring its maritime security,&quot; he further assured.

The vigilant Indian Navy became cautious after reports that China plans to deploy a nuclear submarine at Pakistan&#39;s Gwadar port, which is close to Indian waters.&nbsp;

When asked to comment on the Act East Policy Cooperation, Admiral Lanba said the step is in the right direction.&nbsp;

&quot;We have been co-operating with our eastern neighbours since the Act East policy was initiated in 2014. We, along with Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam conduct co-ordinated patrol on our maritime borders,&quot; he said. &quot;We are also helping them train their personnel.&quot;

Admiral Lanba also acknowledged that co-operation with major powers like the United States and Japan is crucial for India.

&nbsp;&quot;Malabar Exercise began in 1993 and it was a joint naval exercise between the US and India. From 1993 till now, the scope and size of the exercise has gone up. Japan has become a permanent member. We learn from each other.&quot; &nbsp;

&quot;No other country should have a problem with such exercises as they aren&#39;t targetted at any country. China, in the past, has hinted at its reservations to the Malabar Exercise,&quot; he added.&nbsp;

The Navy chief further stressed that they are like-minded democratic countries and prefer to uphold international good order and rule-based system in the world. 
&nbsp;

Admiral Lanba said that navy is keeping a close watch on Chinese activities

Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba on Monday admitted that there has been a significant rise in presence of Chinese ships and submarines in the Indian Ocean region. However, Lanba in an exclusive interview to WION, assured that India's maritime security is absolutely secure and Navy is keeping a close watch on Chinese activities in the Indian Ocean "Indian Ocean is the only ocean named after a country. We have a great maritime heritage. Chinese ships are in the Indian Ocean since 2008 and they have a lot of ships and submarines deployed here," Lanba said. We are aware of what is happening and last year, we started a new deployment pattern which is mission-based deployment. We monitor all movements and the Indian Navy is fully capable of ensuring its maritime security," he further assured. The vigilant Indian Navy became cautious after reports that China plans to deploy a nuclear submarine at Pakistan's Gwadar port, which is close to Indian waters. When asked to comment on the Act East Policy Cooperation, Admiral Lanba said the step is in the right direction. "We have been co-operating with our eastern neighbours since the Act East policy was initiated in 2014. We, along with Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam conduct co-ordinated patrol on our maritime borders," he said. "We are also helping them train their personnel." Admiral Lanba also acknowledged that co-operation with major powers like the United States and Japan is crucial for India. "Malabar Exercise began in 1993 and it was a joint naval exercise between the US and India. From 1993 till now, the scope and size of the exercise has gone up. Japan has become a permanent member. We learn from each other." "No other country should have a problem with such exercises as they aren't targetted at any country. China, in the past, has hinted at its reservations to the Malabar Exercise," he added. The Navy chief further stressed that they are like-minded democratic countries and prefer to uphold international good order and rule-based system in the world.

Indian Navy is fully capable of ensuring its maritime security: Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba

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