Indian Navy – Artifex.News

India, Pakistan naval vessels collide; MEA summons Pakistan envoy in New Delhi

admin — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 10:15:00 +0000

The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. File
| Photo Credit: Sushil Kumar Verma

India summoned the Charge d’Affaires of Pakistan’s High Commission in New Delhi to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday (September 16, 2026) and lodged a strong protest over the “unacceptable” and “unprofessional” conduct of Pakistani naval units at sea, which resulted in a collision with a unit of the Indian Navy.

The collision occurred on the evening of September 15, 2026, when a Pakistan naval ship came close to a frontline Indian naval warship that was on a routine surveillance mission in the North Arabian Sea. The Pakistani vessel manoeuvred at high speed in an unprofessional and unsafe manner, leading to the collision, sources said. No damage has been reported.

“While the incident, which took place in international waters, did not cause any major damage, the conduct of the Pakistani naval ship was in direct contravention of Article 10 of the Agreement between India and Pakistan on Advance Notice on Military Exercises, Manoeuvres and Troops Movements of April 1991,” the MEA said in a statement.

“The Charge d’Affaires of Pakistan was advised to convey to the concerned Pakistani authorities, the need for all military units to observe due care and respect the provisions of the relevant agreements between the two sides in order to prevent any repeat of such incidents.”

The Charge d’Affaires of India in Islamabad has also been instructed to lodge a similar protest with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan.

Published – September 16, 2026 01:24 pm IST

Source link

HSL docks Navy’s largest amphibious warship INS Jalashwa for major refit

admin — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 14:29:00 +0000

INS Jalashwa arrives in Visakhapatnam.
| Photo Credit: FIle Photo

Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) has docked the Indian Navy’s largest amphibious warship, INS Jalashwa, into its premier building dock here.

It is the first time in HSL’s history that such a massive military platform has been accommodated for dry-docking, signalling a major leap forward for indigenous ship maintenance capabilities on the country’s eastern seaboard.

INS Jalashwa, an Austin-class amphibious transport dock acquired from the U.S.A., measures approximately 175 metres in length and over 28 metres in width. The warship played a major humanitarian role during Operation Samudra Setu launched by the Indian Navy in May 2020. Alongside other vessels, INS Jalashwa was deployed to successfully repatriate hundreds of stranded Indian citizens from foreign shores during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Comprehensive docking analyses were performed beforehand, factoring in the ship’s precise weight distribution, hull geometry, and specialised structural nuances. Safety standards and clearance parameters were strictly monitored to ensure the vessel was securely guided into the dock.

With the warship now safely secured inside the facility, HSL is undertaking a comprehensive package of complex structural repairs, overhauls, and modernisation works.

While specific financial figures for individual operational refits are classified, high-value defence undertakings at the yard—such as the Ministry of Defence’s ₹934-crore contract for the normal refit of INS Sindhukirti submarine or the massive ₹19,000-crore project for indigenous Fleet Support Ships (FSS)—reflect the heavy-duty financial and technical scale at which the Miniratna shipyard operates.

Previously, heavy amphibious platforms requiring extensive dry-docking support often faced logistical constraints, occasionally needing transit to distant alternative facilities.

Having such robust repair and maintenance infrastructure readily available at HSL significantly cuts down turnaround times, ensuring that critical fleet assets remain combat-ready and operational with minimal downtime.

“This achievement demonstrates HSL’s evolving technical capability to handle outsized naval assets, transforming the shipyard into a formidable hub for heavy warship maintenance and commercial shipbuilding alike,” an HSL official said.

The shipyard features robust infrastructure, including a covered building dock designed to accommodate vessels up to 80,000 Dead weight Tonnage (DWT).

Its facilities have handled diverse maritime traffic, ranging from bulk carriers and offshore patrol vessels to major submarine overhauls. Industry experts note that with the successful docking of INS Jalashwa, HSL is strongly positioned to undertake future complex projects for the Indian Navy, including upcoming multi-role support vessels and heavy carrier maintenance initiatives.

“It is the first such large vessel in HSL refitting. We don’t disclose the price of refitting and the date of release or completion. It is confidential,” an official spokesperson told The Hindu.

Published – August 27, 2026 07:59 pm IST

Source link

Search on a ‘war footing’ for six missing fishermen, says Vizag MP

admin — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 17:21:00 +0000

M. Sribharat
| Photo Credit: File Photo

Visakhapatnam Member of Parliament M. Sribharat on Monday said that the Centre and the State government are working on a “war footing” to trace the six fishermen who remain missing following their boat mishap off the coast of Visakhapatnam.

The MP’s assurance comes amidst mounting pressure as search and rescue operations enter a critical phase.

During a visit to the office of the Andhra Pradesh Mechanised Fishing Boat Operators Association, Mr. Sribharat met the families of the missing fishermen and assured that authorities would spare no effort until the status of every missing individual is confirmed.

“The government stands firmly with the families during this difficult time,” Mr. Sribharat said. “We are closely monitoring the situation, and rescue efforts will continue,” he said.

The search operations for the six fishermen is being carried out by multiple agencies, including the maritime and aerial units. The Indian Coast Guard has deployed two vessels, ICGS Kanaklata Barua and ICGS Veera, along with conducting helicopter sorties. Additionally, the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) has also joined the operation, deploying two ships and two aircraft—a Sea King helicopter and an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH).

Meanwhile, the tragedy has sparked a heated political debate. Former MLA Vasupalli Ganesh addressing the media on Monday, alleged a 20-hour delay in the initial response.

Mr. Ganesh criticised the government’s preparedness, claiming that warnings from the weather department regarding rough seas on July 3 and 4 were not adequately communicated to the fishing community. He further alleged an administrative collapse, citing a lack of coordination between the Fisheries Department and local leadership during the crucial early hours of the crisis.

Responding to these concerns, Mr. Sribharat acknowledged the urgency of the situation and assured committment to addressing systemic safety concerns. He stated that the government plans to review and strengthen safety protocols for fishermen to prevent such incidents in the future.

As of Monday evening, despite the deployment of advanced surveillance and aerial assets, the strong winds and sea swells continue to pose significant challenges to the search units. Officials have designated a single point of contact to ensure the families receive regular, verified updates as the operation progresses.

Published – July 06, 2026 08:50 pm IST

Source link

Watch: Iranian warship strike near Sri Lanka raises questions for India

admin — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 17:46:00 +0000

Published – March 06, 2026 11:15 pm IST

Source link

2 Navy Women Officers Cross Cape Horn, Known For Strong Winds, Towering Waves

admin — Sun, 16 Feb 2025 04:14:36 +0000

New Delhi:

In a historical feat, Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A, aboard INSV Tarini, crossed Cape Horn, located at the southern tip of South America, on Saturday while sailing on the third leg of the Navika Sagar Parikrama II expedition, said an Indian Navy statement.

The passage takes the two sailors through the Drake Passage, which is named after the English explorer Sir Francis Drake, who confirmed the existence of an open sea route south of South America. It is a treacherous waterway known for its extreme winds, towering waves and unpredictable weather, the statement added.

“Making their successful passage a significant achievement,” it further reads.

In persistent rains, Sea State 5, winds of 40kns (~75 kmph) and waves more than 5 metres, Lt Cdr Dilna K & Lt Cdr Roopa A, recorded their names in the annals of history by successfully crossing the #CapeHorn located at the southern tip of #SouthAmerica, while sailing on the third… pic.twitter.com/N1isyvHGMA

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) February 15, 2025

The officers have now earned themselves the esteemed title of being the “Cape Horners,” a designation traditionally given to the elite group of seafarers who have successfully navigated Cape Horn under sail.

ALSO READ | 2 Indian Navy Women Officers Cross Point Nemo, Earth’s Most Remote Location

Cape Horn is situated just over 800 kilometres (432 nautical miles) from Antarctica, making it one of the closest land points to the icy continent. The journey through this region not only requires exceptional navigational expertise but also resilience to the harsh conditions characteristic of the Southern Ocean.

Navika Sagar Parikrama II represents a continuation of India’s efforts to support scientific exploration and collaboration. As the officers continue their journey, they will progress toward their next destination, further advancing the objectives of the mission.

Last year, Chief of the Naval Staff of India, Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, flagged off INSV Tarini for Navika Sagar Parikrama II expedition at Ocean Sailing Node, INS Mandovi, Goa, on Wednesday.

The first-ever global circumnavigation onboard is to be completed by two women Naval Officers, Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa, marking a significant event.

The historic voyage expedition will be covering four continents, through three Oceans and three challenging Capes in 240 days and travelling 23,400 nautical miles, scripting major milestone in maritime history and showcasing ‘Aatmanirbhar bharat’ initiative.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Source link

2 Indian Navy Women Officers Cross Point Nemo, Earth’s Most Remote Location

admin — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 02:54:10 +0000

Two female officers from the Indian Navy touched a new milestone on Thursday as they crossed Point Nemo – the most remote location on Earth – aboard the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini. Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A, passed through Point Nemo at 12:30 am IST on Thursday during the third leg of their journey from Lyttelton, New Zealand, to Port Stanley, Falkland Islands. Notably, Point Nemo, located in the South Pacific, is the Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility – the most remote location on Earth, situated approximately 2,688 kilometres from the nearest landmass.

This event marks a significant milestone in the Navika Sagar Parikrama II mission, a circumnavigation journey undertaken by the two officers as part of India’s naval exploration initiative, the Indian Navy said in a statement, as per ANI. “#INSVTarini charts through the world’s most isolated waters! Lt Cdr Dilna K & Lt Cdr Roopa A cross Point Nemo – the Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility. A testament to resilience, courage & the spirit of adventure,” the Indian Navy wrote on X.

#NavikaSagarParikrama_II #NSPIIUpdates #INSVTarini charts through the world’s most isolated waters!
Lt Cdr Dilna K & Lt Cdr Roopa A cross Point Nemo – the Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility. A testament to resilience, courage & the spirit of adventure.
Fair winds & following… pic.twitter.com/CvcEegoAjF

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) January 30, 2025

During their passage, the two officers collected water samples from the area, which will be analysed by the National Institute of Oceanography. These samples are expected to provide valuable data on oceanic conditions, including marine biodiversity and the chemical composition of the water, contributing to ongoing oceanographic research, the Navy statement said.

The two officers from the Indian Navy embarked on a mission to circumnavigate the world on October 2, 2024. They began their journey aboard INVS Tarini from Goa. They reached Lyttelton Port in New Zealand on December 22, completing the second leg of the expedition. The crew then departed from Lyttelton earlier this month for the longest stretch of the journey, heading to Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands. The distance of this leg is about 5,600 nautical miles.

Also Read | Video Shows Women In Car Chased By Men In SUV In Chennai. Police Reacts

INSV Tarini’s passage through Point Nemo was achieved entirely under sail, which makes it a noteworthy accomplishment in terms of maritime navigation. The vessel’s crossing through this isolated point highlights the challenges of navigating such remote and difficult waters.

Notably, Point Nemo is known as the Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility. According to ANI, it is one of the most remote locations on Earth, situated approximately 2,688 kilometres from the nearest landmass. Due to its isolation, it is often considered the farthest point from any human habitation.

Point Nemo is a designated area where space agencies intentionally guide decommissioned spacecraft, including satellites and space stations, to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere and fall into the ocean to avoid harm to populated areas.

Source link

In 10-Hour Mission, Indian C-17 Airdropped 18 Commandos Near Somali Coast

admin — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 11:32:54 +0000

New Delhi:

The details of a daring operation in low-light conditions by Indian forces to rescue 17 crew of a merchant ship near the Somalian coast was made public by the government while honouring the pilot who flew a C-17 military transport aircraft to carry out the high-risk mission.

Wing Commander Akshay Saxena, who was commissioned into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in June 2006, was posted with the C-17 squadron from February 2021. On the eve of Republic Day, he was conferred the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) “for his act of indomitable courage and conspicuous gallantry”.

Wing Commander Saxena finalised suitable crew and ensured aircraft readiness for a quick launch due to the time critical and secret nature of the mission, the Defence Ministry said in a statement on January 25.

The mission involved real threat of small arms with the pirates over and above the extended mission timelines which involved flying into airspace of another country undeclared and undetected for close to four hours, the Defence Ministry said.

The mission was carried out on March 16, 2024 in support of the anti-piracy Operation Sankalp in the Arabian Sea.

Wing Commander Saxena airdropped two combat rubberised raiding craft (CRRC) boats and a team of 18 MARCOs with combat load to capture a pirate-controlled ship, which was not only launching attacks on merchant vessels in the Arabian Sea, but also opened fire at INS Kolkata and had shot down a naval spotter drone on March 15, 2024, the Defence Ministry said.

MARCOs are the special forces of the Indian Navy.

Wing Commander Akshay Saxena

The objective area was near the Somalian coast, 1,450 nautical miles (NM) and 540 NMs out of Indian flight information region.

One NM is approximately 1.8 km. Flight information region is a defined airspace of specific dimensions within which flight information and alerting services are provided; all airspace worldwide is divided into flight information regions.

Wing Commander Saxena, the Captain of the C-17 aircraft, decided to switch off all emitters, fly low level over high seas in foreign territory and drop at dusk time to avoid detection, the Defence Ministry said.

Even after receiving a changed drop location only 50 NMs prior to the drop, he guided the crew to safely execute a precision airdrop, thus resulting in the capture of the pirates and rescue of MV Ruen with its 17 member crew.

He displayed effective inter-service coordination with the Indian Navy while maintaining heightened situational awareness both on ground and in air, the Defence Ministry said, adding all possible measures were taken to maintain secrecy of the almost 10-hour-long mission.

During the flawless execution of the extremely gruelling mission, the officer displayed exceptional courage, dynamic leadership, outstanding professionalism and steadfast determination, the Defence Ministry said.

Source link

French Navy Conducts Air-Sea Tactical Manoeuvres With Indian Navy

admin — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 15:17:45 +0000

After stopovers in Goa and Kochi on India’s western coast, the entire French carrier strike group (CSG) centred around aircraft carrier FNS Charles de Gaulle cast off on 9 January 2025 for the next phase of Mission Clemenceau 25 in the Indian Ocean. It set the course for the Indonesian arc, where it would conduct the exercise ‘La Perouse’.

A few hours after setting sail, the CSG carried out cooperation activities with the Indian Navy at sea and in the air. The French CSG destroyer conducted a joint navigation exercise with the Indian frigate INS Mormugao, during which the two ships practised tactical evolution manoeuvres. The two ships also deployed their respective onboard helicopters to carry out a cross-decks manoeuvre, as per the statement.

Fleet replenishment tanker FNS Jacques Chevallier refuelled the INS Mormugao

After the first drill, the fleet replenishment tanker FNS Jacques Chevallier refuelled the INS Mormugao frigate at sea. At the same time, Indian Sukhoi and Jaguar fighter jets carried out sorties with Rafale Marines from the embarked French Navy air fleet for a joint anti-aircraft drill.

Sukhoi, SEPECAT Jaguar and French Rafales in action

On January 10, an Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft made a logistical stopover in India before heading for Indonesia, where it joined the deployed French force. Thanks to the privileged relations between France and India, the halt of the in-transit Atlantique 2 on Indian territory enabled the CSG to deploy far away from its base and maintain its operations at sea.

The activities demonstrated the interoperability between the two navies. The joint manoeuvre came ahead of the 42nd edition of the bilateral naval exercise, VARUNA, which France and India have been holding since 1983. The CSG will take part in this annual bilateral exercise when it returns to the Indian Ocean under Mission CLEMENCEAU 25 and will deploy all its assets alongside its Indian partner.

For 27 years, France and India have been united by a strategic partnership

For 27 years, France and India have been united by a strategic partnership aimed at developing bilateral cooperation between our two countries. In concrete terms, this includes numerous exercises, be they on land (SHAKTI), in the air (GARUDA), or at sea (VARUNA). India regularly supports French Navy ships by allowing numerous stopovers for ships and crew rest (16 stopovers since 2022), the French Embassy said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Source link

French Navy Conducts Air-Sea Tactical Manoeuvres With Indian Navy

admin — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 15:17:45 +0000

Fleet replenishment tanker FNS Jacques Chevallier refuelled the INS Mormugao

Sukhoi, SEPECAT Jaguar and French Rafales in action

For 27 years, France and India have been united by a strategic partnership

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Source link

Indian Navy Provides Assistance To Sailing Vessel With 5 Chinese Nationals

admin — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 17:53:18 +0000

New Delhi:

The Indian Navy on Tuesday provided urgently needed fuel to a Malaysian-flagged sailing vessel with five Chinese nationals onboard in the Indian Ocean. Indian naval ship INS Kirch provided 1,000 litres of fuel to the vessel, enabling it to safely resume its voyage to its next port of call, the Indian Navy said.

It said the Malaysian-flagged vessel with five Chinese nationals was reported to be running low on fuel on January 4.

Subsequently, the sailing vessel transiting 225 nautical miles west of Indira Point, sought fuelling assistance from Indian Navy through Indian Navy’s Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR).

“Responding swiftly, a surveillance aircraft was deployed to monitor the movement of sailing vessel and diverted mission deployed Indian Naval Ship Kirch to provide assistance,” the Navy said.

“INS Kirch on January 7 intercepted the vessel and provided 1000 litres of fuel, enabling the vessel to safely resume its voyage to its next port of call,” the Navy said in a statement.

“The Indian Navy remains steadfast in its resolve to ensure safety of all mariners in the Indian Ocean Region,” it said.

On #04Jan25, a Malaysian-flagged sailing vessel BIT with five Chinese nationals onboard was reported to be running low on fuel. Subsequently, the sailing vessel transiting 225 nautical miles west of Indira Point, sought fueling assistance from #IndianNavy through @IFC_IOR.… pic.twitter.com/HII4lsvLaV

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) January 7, 2025

Indira Point is the southernmost point of India in the eastern Indian Sea.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Source link