In a move underscoring the deepening ties between international naval forces, a delegation from the Royal Netherlands Navy, led by Rear Admiral Paul Flos, the Programme Director for International Naval Material Cooperation at the Material & IT Command, embarked on a significant visit to the headquarters of the Western Naval Command (HQWNC) on March 26.

The delegation was thoroughly briefed on the activities of the Western Naval Command, marking a key moment in the ongoing dialogue and cooperation between the naval forces of the Netherlands and India.

Following the briefing, the delegation made a strategic visit to the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, an essential site for the maintenance and repair of India’s naval vessels, showcasing the operational capabilities and technical excellence of the Indian Navy. The visit not only highlighted the technical prowess of the Indian naval facilities but also paved the way for future technical and maintenance collaborations between the two nations.

Highlighting the visit’s significance, the Dutch delegation engaged in in-depth discussions with Rear Admiral DK Goswami, Admiral Superintendent of the Naval Dockyard (Mumbai), and Rear Admiral R Adhisrinivasan, Chief Staff Officer (Technical) at the HQWNC. These discussions focused on the technical and maintenance aspects of warships, indicating a keen interest in shared knowledge and best practices in naval warfare and support.

This visit marks a pivotal moment in fostering international naval cooperation, with both sides expressing a strong interest in enhancing mutual understanding and exploring avenues for collaboration in naval operations, maintenance, and technical advancements.

In honor of World Meteorological Day, celebrated annually on March 23rd, the School of Naval Oceanology & Meteorology (SNOM) and the Indian Naval Meteorological Analysis Centre (INMAC) organized a METOC (Meteorological and Oceanographic) seminar titled ‘Meghayan-24’ at the Southern Naval Command on March 28, 2024.

The seminar, held under the theme ‘At the Frontline of Climate Action’ as promulgated by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) for the year 2024, served as a platform to highlight the indispensable role of meteorologists in addressing climate challenges.

Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, delivered the inaugural address via virtual mode, emphasizing the urgent need for accurate and immediate focus on climate change.

He underscored the importance of collective action in achieving a climate-smart society, aligning with the global framework for climate services of the WMO.

Admiral Kumar reaffirmed the Indian Navy’s commitment to adopting sustainable policies and integrating climate change considerations into security strategy, while also recognizing the crucial support provided by Naval meteorological specialists across all operational domains.

Distinguished guest speakers, Dr. TVS Uday Bhaskar from the Indian Naval Centre for Ocean Information System (INCOIS) and Dr. Ragavendra Ashit from the National Centre for Medium Range Forecasting (NCMRWF), enlightened the audience on the latest techniques and climate data analysis undertaken by scientific agencies to support policy-making at the national level.

Panel discussions on the ‘Effect of Weather and Climate Change on Naval Operations’ further elucidated the latest METOC techniques adopted by the Indian Navy and scientific organizations.

A significant highlight of the seminar was the launch of the indigenous mobile application INDRA (Indian Naval Dynamic Resource for Weather Analysis), aimed at disseminating weather-related information and forecasts to facilitate optimal decision-making.

Developed in coordination with the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG) and the Directorate of Naval Oceanology and Meteorology, Indian Navy, INDRA empowers Naval personnel with timely and accurate weather data for operational planning.

The event was attended by Rear Admiral Upal Kundu, Chief of Staff, Southern Naval Command, Cmde Abhinav Barve, Commodore (NOM) from Naval Headquarters, and Mr. Miren Karamta, Director of BISAG.

Their presence underscored the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in addressing climate challenges and enhancing METOC capabilities.

‘Meghayan-24’ served as a valuable platform for the exchange of knowledge and insights on weather and climate services, reaffirming the commitment of the Indian Navy towards climate action and sustainable practices.

The seminar underscored the Navy’s proactive approach in leveraging technology and expertise to navigate the challenges posed by climate change and ensure the safety and security of maritime operations.

The second edition of the India-Mozambique-Tanzania Trilateral Exercise (IMT TRILAT 24) drew to a successful close on March 28, 2024, at Nacala, Mozambique, marking a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts to strengthen maritime security and cooperation in the region.

The week-long exercise, which commenced on March 21, brought together naval forces from India, Mozambique, and Tanzania, highlighting the importance of enhanced interoperability and cooperation in addressing common maritime challenges.

Participating in IMT TRILAT 24 were the Indian Naval ships INS Tir and INS Sujata, which engaged in a series of joint exercises, training sessions, and collaborative activities aimed at fostering mutual understanding and enhancing maritime capabilities among the three navies.

The exercise unfolded in two distinct phases, beginning with a harbor phase from March 21 to March 24. During this phase, intensive training sessions were conducted concurrently onboard INS Tir at Zanzibar and INS Sujata at Maputo.

Activities included crucial training on Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS), Damage Control and Firefighting Drills, communication procedures, and medical lectures, which featured CPR demonstrations and casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) procedures.

Transitioning to the sea phase on March 24, INS Tir and INS Sujata embarked sea riders from the Tanzanian and Mozambique Navies, respectively. Joint operations with Mozambique Naval ship Namatili and Tanzanian naval ship Fatundu demonstrated significant synergy and sustained efforts among the regional navies in line with the vision of SAGAR (Security & Growth for All in the Region).

The sea phase included simulated VBSS exercises, night maneuvers, and joint surveillance of the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) off Tanzania and Mozambique in the area of operation.

The closing ceremony, held onboard INS Tir and INS Sujata at Nacala, Mozambique, was attended by representatives from all three navies. The event underscored the successful collaboration, understanding of maritime capabilities, and shared objectives achieved during the exercise.

It emphasized the continued commitment towards maritime security and regional stability, reaffirming India’s role as the preferred security partner in the region.

In addition to the main exercise, IMT TRILAT 24 also facilitated various official and training exchanges, cross-deck visits, sports fixtures, and Yoga sessions as part of the long-range training deployment of the ships.

The ships were opened to visitors at Zanzibar, Maputo, and Nacala, welcoming over 1500 people, including school children, Indian diaspora, and local populace, fostering bonds of friendship and promoting maritime awareness.

Outreach activities were also conducted at the Mizzizini Orphanage Center in Zanzibar and the Obra Dom Orio Reception Centre in Maputo, further strengthening the ties between the participating nations and their communities.

IMT TRILAT 24 stands as a testament to the commitment of India, Mozambique, and Tanzania to collaborative maritime security efforts, setting a positive precedent for future engagements and reinforcing the collective resolve to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment in the region.

In a significant stride towards bolstering infrastructure and enhancing operational capabilities, the inauguration of residential accommodation and an all-weather helipad at Veraval, Gujarat, marks a pivotal moment for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).

The ceremony, graced by the esteemed presence of Smt. Gayatri Aramane, wife of Shri Giridhar Aramane, Defense Secretary of the Government of India, alongside DG Rakesh Pal, AVSM, PTM, TM, DGICG, and dignitaries from both Central and State governments, underscores a concerted effort towards sustainable development and readiness in coastal security.

The inauguration ceremony, characterized by a sense of pride and anticipation, symbolizes the culmination of meticulous planning and collaborative efforts between various stakeholders.

With Smt. Gayatri Aramane leading the ceremonial proceedings, the event resonates with a commitment to excellence and progress in safeguarding India’s maritime interests.

The newly inaugurated residential accommodation stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to the welfare and comfort of its personnel.

Equipped with modern amenities and designed to meet the evolving needs of Coast Guard personnel and their families, these accommodations not only enhance the quality of life but also foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie within the Coast Guard community.

Additionally, the unveiling of the all-weather helipad represents a strategic investment in operational readiness and response capabilities. Situated in Veraval, a crucial maritime hub along the Gujarat coastline, the helipad serves as a vital link in the Coast Guard’s rapid deployment and emergency response infrastructure.

Its ability to facilitate helicopter operations under diverse weather conditions ensures uninterrupted surveillance, search and rescue, and interdiction missions along the coastline.

The significance of this infrastructure expansion extends beyond mere ceremonial gestures. It reflects a comprehensive approach towards addressing the multifaceted challenges confronting maritime security and coastal defense.

By providing state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure, the Indian Coast Guard is better equipped to fulfill its mandate of safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests, combating maritime threats, and ensuring the safety and security of seafarers.

The inauguration ceremony witnessed the convergence of leadership from both the Central and State governments, underscoring the collaborative and inclusive approach adopted in the pursuit of national security objectives.

It served as a platform for constructive dialogue and exchange of ideas, fostering greater synergy and coordination amongst stakeholders in the maritime domain.

Looking ahead, the newly inaugurated infrastructure at Veraval is poised to play a pivotal role in strengthening the Coast Guard’s operational capabilities and resilience.

It will serve as a force multiplier, enabling the Coast Guard to meet its all-round operational commitments with efficiency and effectiveness, thereby contributing to the overall maritime security architecture of the nation.

As India continues to assert its maritime prowess on the global stage, investments in infrastructure and capabilities, such as those witnessed at Veraval, Gujarat, reaffirm the nation’s commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests and upholding the principles of freedom of navigation and maritime governance.

The inauguration marks not only a milestone in infrastructure development but also a reaffirmation of India’s resolve to protect its vast coastline and maritime assets, ensuring a safe and secure maritime domain for generations to come.

The newly inaugurated Interventional Nephrology Centre at INHS Kalyani is set to bring significant advancements in the treatment of kidney diseases for serving members and Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) patients. Officially opened on March 27 by Surgeon Rear Admiral R Ravi, the Command Medical Officer of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC), this cutting-edge facility is equipped to perform a wide array of complex nephrology procedures.

With the introduction of this centre, INHS Kalyani broadens its capability to include Tunneled Dialysis Catheter insertions, Arteriovenous (AV) Fistula creation, Endovascular interventions, Venoplasty, and Kidney Biopsy among its services. These procedures are crucial for patients with severe kidney conditions, providing them with more specialized care options and the potential for improved outcomes.

This milestone achievement is attributed to the dedicated efforts of the nephrology team led by Surgeon Commander Vineet Behera. The establishment of the Interventional Nephrology Centre not only showcases the team’s commitment to excellence in medical care but also marks a significant step forward in enhancing healthcare services for military personnel and their families suffering from kidney diseases.

The facility’s inauguration is a testament to the ENC’s dedication to providing high-quality healthcare to its members. By offering advanced nephrology treatments, INHS Kalyani is poised to make a substantial impact on the lives of many, ensuring that patients receive the most effective care possible for their kidney-related ailments.