Indian Ocean: News

6.4 magnitude quakes strikes Indonesia, tsunami alert issued briefly

A 6.4 magnitude quake shook eastern Indonesia this morning. A tsunami alert was issued, but it stayed active briefly.

Indian Navy's second, third Scorpene-class submarines undergoing sea trials

The second and third of the six Scorpene-class submarines, part of Project-75 of the Indian Navy, are undergoing sea trials while the rest are under construction, a senior naval officer said.

India-France strengthen ties, sign pact to counter China's influence

India and France strengthened their 20-year-old strategic ties on Saturday as President Macron met PM Modi and signed 14 pacts ranging from cooperation in security to space exploration to clean energy.

Attention, art enthusiasts! Here's your chance to own affordable artworks

It is good news for art enthusiasts, who can now own works by leading as well as emerging artists at affordable prices at a new festival in New Delhi.

Maldives declines India's invite for naval exercise 'Milan'

In a move that could further exacerbate the already-disturbed relations between India and Maldives, Male has declined Delhi's invitation to participate in the biennial multinational naval event "Milan."

Growing closeness between Maldives and China worries India

Apart from being engulfed in political turmoil, Maldives has now become the latest linchpin in India-China's tussle for regional leadership.

PM Modi's Oman visit: Attends India-Oman business meet

PM Narendra Modi was on a two-day state visit to Oman. The two sides signed eight agreements. He also addressed the Indian diaspora at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in capital Muscat.

India, Seychelles sign crucial deal for military infrastructure development

After much negotiations and discussions, India and Seychelles have signed an agreement that allows the former to build military infrastructure on Assumption Island.

Hunting for MH370: Malaysia offers $70mn to ocean exploration firm

The government of Malaysia has inked a deal with an American ocean exploration firm, Ocean Infinity to launch a new search for the missing flight MH370.

China's new maritime surveillance network: Should we be worried?

China has reportedly developed a new underwater surveillance network to help its submarines navigate and locate targets better.

#ThatWas2017: Should India be worried about its defense inadequacies?

When it comes to India's defense and national security, among the most significant incident in 2017 was the Doklam standoff.

Prominent Maldives newspaper under fire after anti-India editorial

A newspaper in Maldives has raked up a political storm after publishing an anti-India editorial.

US welcomes "leading global power" India in Trump's strategy outlook

President Donald Trump has unveiled the US' new National Security Strategy.

India expects Sri Lanka, Maldives to respect its security concerns

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar has said India expects its Indian Ocean neighbors, Sri Lanka and Maldives, to be considerate about its security concerns.

Here's how Ockhi and other cyclones get their names

India is bearing the brunt of Cyclone Ockhi, which has ravaged the south and is moving towards the western coast.

India begins building six nuclear-powered attack submarines

#DefenseDiaries: Why are the Andaman & Nicobar Islands strategically important?

The Indian military conducted a major exercise in the Andaman & Nicobar (A&N) Islands from November 20 to 24.

'Modi, only statesman to stand up to China's One-Belt-One-Road'

PM Narendra Modi is the only statesman to have stood up to China's One Belt One Road (OBOR), claims Michael Pillsbury, Director of Center on Chinese Strategy at the think-tank Hudson Institute.

Indian Ocean: India-US join hands against Chinese, ISIS threats

India and the US have been concerned about increasing Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean Region.

#DefenseDiaries: INS Chakra, the deadliest shark in the Indian Ocean

The INS Chakra, India's sole nuclear attack submarine, is among the deadliest vessels in the Indian Navy's arsenal.

Govt. clears Rs. 21,738 crore project to 111 naval helicopters

The procurement of 111 naval utility helicopters (NUH) worth Rs. 21,738 crore for the Indian Navy has been approved by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Indian Navy commissions submarine hunter INS Kiltan

Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has commissioned INS Kiltan, the third of the Indian Navy's advanced Project-28 Kamorta-class anti-submarine warfare corvettes.

Ever wondered how hurricanes around the world get their names?

In Texas, Hurricane Harvey has wrecked havoc. Hurricane Irma has slammed Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands and is moving towards Florida.

India launches bids for 234 helicopters for navy worth $5bn

The Indian government has launched a global competition for 123 naval multi-role helicopters (NMRHs) and 111 armed naval light utility helicopters (NUH).

US can help India with military modernization: Admiral Tom Harris

India has a military nightmare to handle, with Pakistan pushing in on the Western front and China aggravating the Doklam standoff at the eastern front.

Is China gearing up for a war in Doklam?

Raising alarm bells for India, an article in the Chinese state-run daily Global Times has indicated that China may be planning a "small-scale military operation, to expel Indian troops lingering on its territory".

INS Kalvari boosts India's submarine fleet amid growing Chinese challenge

The Indian Navy is preparing to commission INS Kalvari, a diesel-electric submarine which is among the world's stealthiest, after several years of delay.

Sri Lanka addresses India's concerns in revised China-Hambantota port deal

The Sri Lankan cabinet has approved a revised agreement for a deal with a Chinese firm for its southern port of Hambantota.

China sends troops to overseas base, should India be concerned?

Chinese state media have reported that ships carrying Chinese troops have departed for Djibouti to set up the country's first overseas military base.

Exercise Malabar kicks off in the Bay of Bengal

The naval forces of US and India and the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Forces recently commenced the annual Malabar joint exercises in the Bay of Bengal.

Eye on China, India-US-Japan navies to hold huge exercise

India, US and Japan will be deploying their largest and most advanced warships for the trilateral Malabar naval exercise which will be held in the Bay of Bengal from July 10.

Rukimini: How Indian Navy tracks Chinese movements in Indian Ocean

The surveillance satellite GSAT 7, 'Rukmini' has been acting as Indian Navy's eye in the high seas, especially in tracking Chinese movements in the Indian Ocean, which have increased amid the ongoing Sikkim stand-off.

Sikkim stand-off: Chinese Navy increases presence in the Indian Ocean

China's People's Liberation Army-Navy (PLAN) has been increasing its deployments in the Indian Ocean, amid the ongoing stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops at the Sikkim border.

Why the growing Indo-US friendship has irked China

Indian PM Narendra Modi's visit to the US and his meetings with President Donald Trump have signalled the increasing Indo-US bonhomie.

US recognizes India as "major defense partner"

US Secretary of Defense James Mattis said America recognizes India "as a major defense partner."

India seeks energy diplomacy to counter China's OBOR

After taking a step back from China's new Silk Road initiative announced by Xi Jinping, India has decided to use its energy diplomacy to create interdependent relationships in its neighbourhood.

Xi Jinping calls for further modernization of China's armed forces

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for further modernization of China's armed forces, saying "Efforts should be made to provide greater science and technology support for the People's Liberation Army."

India's second Scorpene-class submarine to counter China, Pak

India launched Khanderi, its second Scorpene-class submarine, at Mumbai's Mazagon dock.