In a prompt and strategic response to the recent surge of assaults on shipping lanes, the Indian Navy has significantly increased its patrols and security measures in the Arabian Sea. The maritime force has dispatched three formidable warships, INS Mormugao, INS Kochi and INS Kolkata, to form a formidable presence in the area, designed to deter further hostilities. To complement these naval giants, P-8I long-range patrol aircraft have been taking to the skies to ensure comprehensive surveillance coverage.
The situation in the Arabian Sea intensified when it was disclosed by a Pentagon spokesperson on Sunday that MV Chem Pluto, a chemical tanker, suffered a drone strike. The attack was reportedly carried out by a “one-way attack drone” originating from Iran. This incident occurred off India’s western coastline, creating a seismic ripple of concern through the international maritime community.
Following the drone strike on MV Chem Pluto, the ship managed to reach Mumbai harbor, where an in-depth initial inspection was conducted by the Indian Navy’s explosive ordnance disposal team. This Liberian-flagged tanker endured the drone assault while en route to New Mangalore port and fortuitously reported no casualties amidst its crew composed of 21 Indian nationals and one Vietnamese.
When the MV Chem Pluto docked at Mumbai on Monday, the ordinance team carried out a rigorous assessment of the damages. They noted that the patterns of damage and the remnants of debris unmistakably indicated a drone attack. Yet, concluding the exact details of the offensive, such as the nature and amount of explosives employed, demands a more thorough forensic and technical examination.
While the assessments by the Indian Navy continue, the Ministry of Defence has disclosed that a joint investigation involving various agencies has been initiated subsequent to the conclusive findings of the ordinance team’s analysis. The MV Chem Pluto, though it faced this shocking assault, has been cleared for resumed operations by the designated company at Mumbai. It is set to undergo essential inspections by the corresponding authorities prior to undertaking any ship-to-ship transfer activities, which is to be succeeded by repair works on the damaged segments of the vessel.
Furthermore, it is important to highlight that the assault on MV Chem Pluto is not an isolated incident. Concurrently, a commercial crude oil tanker flying the flag of Gabon with 25 Indian crew onboard was also targeted by a drone strike in the Southern Red Sea. Thankfully, similar to MV Chem Pluto, there were no injuries reported.
This pattern of aggression has prompted a decisive stance from the Indian Navy. Apart from the deployment of its warships, which serve as a persuasive deterrent, the Navy also operates long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft P8I on regular sorties to maintain a vigilant eye over the security landscape of the region.
The Western Naval Command’s Maritime Operations Centre is at the forefront of these monitoring efforts. By coordinating closely with the Indian Coast Guard and all other pertinent agencies, the institution endeavors to maintain the safety and integrity of maritime operations across the Arabian Sea.
The MV Chem Pluto, carrying a cargo of crude oil from Al Jubail port in Saudi Arabia to New Mangalore port, found itself attacked approximately 217 nautical miles from Porbandar last Saturday. The series of overt attacks has cast a shadow of trepidation over the strategic and economically crucial maritime routes in the area.
The Indian Navy’s proactive deployment of its naval might along with vigilant aerial surveillance stands as a testimony to its commitment to safeguarding national and international maritime interests amidst a landscape of geopolitical tensions and regional security threats.
