New Delhi has upped engagement on defence with Indian Ocean countries in the backdrop of growing influence of China in the region.
Union Minister Rajnath Singh (File Photo: Facebook)
Defence minister Rajnath Singh, currently on a visit to Mozambique, has formally handed over two fast interceptor boats to the African nation for coastal surveillance as part of growing defence cooperation between the two countries.
The India-made boats were handed over at a ceremony at the Mozambican Naval Headquarters with the handing-over certificate being signed by K Natarajan, Director-General of the Indian Coast Guards and the Chief of Mozambican Navy. “Attended the handing over ceremony of two fast Interceptor boats to Mozambique in Maputo today. India is prepared to raise the level of our bilateral defence engagement and maritime cooperation with Mozambique,’’ the Defence Minister tweeted. A four-member Indian Coast Guard team will be assisting Mozambique with training, support for maintenance and operation of the two boats.
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New Delhi has upped engagement on defence with Indian Ocean countries in the backdrop of growing influence of China in the region. Singh held talks with senior leaders of Mozambique on increasing defence cooperation between the two countries. After the talks, two Memoranda of Understanding – agreement on sharing white shipping information and co-operation in the field of Hydrography – were signed between India and Mozambique.
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The Indian minister also announced assistance of communication equipment and highlighted the importance of India and Mozambique working together to prevent nontraditional threats like smuggling, terrorism, piracy and poaching and overall cooperation in the maritime domain.
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