For Nine Months, Indian Navy Deployed A Submarine In The Indian Ocean

As China increased its naval presence in the region, the Indian Navy stationed its submarine there for more than nine months.

From January till last Saturday, the Indian submarine monitored the important shipping channels before departing from its base in Mumbai.

In what appears to be a message to rivals about the capabilities and reach of the force in the strategically significant Indian Ocean, the Navy made operations of the submarine fleet public for the first time on Sunday.

After being on active duty for 8.5 months, the locally developed and constructed diesel-powered submarine INS Vela has returned to its base, the Navy’s Western Command announced in a tweet on Sunday.

According to the report, the submarine executed an incredibly successful mission-based deployment in the Indian Ocean region and achieved many accomplishments through her extended operations at sea (IOR). The navy chose not to provide more information about the type of activities and deployment patterns, including patrols.

The Indian Navy’s first batch of six Kalvari-class submarines includes INS Vela, the fourth submarine. It is a diesel-electric assault submarine based on the Scorpène class that was created by Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai under the direction of the French naval defence and energy corporation DCNS. In 2021, it was accepted into the Navy. Earlier, the Kalvari, Khanderi, and Karanj submarines were all put into service.

The previous incarnation of INS Vela was launched on August 31, 1973, and it was decommissioned in 2010 after 37 years of service.

The most recent submarine is equipped with cutting-edge stealth and fighting capability. Torpedoes and tube-launched anti-ship missiles can be used in tandem for attacks from INS Vela, whether they are made on the surface or underwater. The submarine has an underwater speed of 20 knots and weighs roughly 1,770 tonnes.

More than 70% of India’s export and import go through the maritime lanes in the Indian Ocean region, making it important to the country.

In addition, China has stepped up its naval incursions into the Indian Ocean since 2008, and at any given moment, three to four of its vessels, including submarines, are currently patrolling in the area, posing a threat to Indian interests.

Through mission-based deployments in recent years, the Indian Navy has extended its presence in the area, which it deems as its responsibility.

Additionally, India has improved its relations with the countries that border the Indian Ocean. As part of maritime diplomacy, it warships frequently visit the nations.