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Ministry of Defence Report 2003

Overview

The Indian Navy (IN) has seen an increase in naval cooperation with friendly nations in the fields of training, exercises and operations. Furthermore, the induction of two Krivak class frigates and one Extra Fast Attack Craft (XFAC) strengthened the Navy and allowed it to continue its march towards becoming a first-rate force.

The Indian Navy participated in several major operations and exercises throughout the year. From 23 June 03 to 15 July 03 IN ships Ranjit and Suvarna were deployed to Maputo, Mozambique for security of maritime frontiers during the African Union Summit. The IN also partook in various anti-smuggling/gun-running operations in the Gujarat and Maharashtra coast, patrols in the Palk Bay, and Surveillance and Presence missions. In addition, the Western and Eastern Fleets, along with elements of the Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard, participated in the annual naval exercise "SPRINGEX-2003" conducted in February and March 2003.

The IN conducted two naval exercises with the US Navy in 2003. In July, a Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) was conducted off Chennai and in October the annual Indo-US Joint Exercise, 'MALABAR-03,' was conducted off Kochi. The IN also held joint exercises with France, Singapore, Russia, Indonesia, Oman, and China.

The following MOU's and Agreements were signed in 2003:

Besides providing assistance throughout the neighboring region in the form of flood relief, towing, search and rescue, and transportation, the IN also provided training to an estimated 400 personnel from the following friendly countres: Bangladesh, Kenya, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Nigeria, Seychelles, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Singapore.

Similarly, a total of 31 Indian personnel were sent abroad for training, including 12 personnel sent to the United States under the International Military Education and Training program

In regards to the continuing modernization of the IN, a Navy Wide Network is being progressed to ensure data transfer and connectivity. In addition, IT Training courses are being developed and conducted in order to meet the demands of an increasingly computerized navy.