China in tension, 5 countries will show the power of war in the Indian Ocean, manoeuvres ‘La Perouse’ starting from March 13

This exercise will be very important in giving advice to the Chinese Army on its activities in the Indian Ocean. The third edition of the multilateral exercise ‘La Perouse’ involving India is being conducted from 13 to 14 March 2023 in the Indian Ocean region.

Image Source: AP FILE China in tension, 5 countries will show the power of war in the Indian Ocean, manoeuvres ‘La Perouse’ starting from March 13

New Delhi: 5 big countries of the world including America, France, Japan, and India will show the power of war in the Indian Ocean. The joint exercise of the army of these five countries is going to increase the tension in China. This exercise will be very important in giving advice to the Chinese Army on its activities in the Indian Ocean. The third edition of the multilateral exercise ‘La Perouse’ involving India is being conducted from 13 to 14 March 2023 in the Indian Ocean region.

The edition will see the participation of personnel, ships and integral helicopters from the Royal Australian Navy, French Navy, Indian Navy, Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force, Royal Navy and United States Navy.

Defense Ministry informed that indigenously built Guided Missile Frigate INS Sahyadri and Fleet Tanker INS Jyoti will participate in this edition of the exercise. The Indian Navy’s participation in this exercise reflects the high level of synergy, coordination and interoperability between friendly navies and their commitment to the rule-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region.

According to the Indian Defense Ministry, this biennial exercise La Perouse is organized by the French Navy. It aims to enhance maritime domain awareness and maximize maritime coordination among participating navies in the Indo-Pacific region. The two-day exercise provides an opportunity for like-minded navies to develop closer ties on planning, coordination and information sharing for seamless maritime operations. The exercise will see complex and advanced naval operations, including surface warfare, air defence exercises, cross-deck landings and strategic manoeuvres.

Meanwhile, on March 11, the Indian Navy conducted a joint maritime combat exercise with the French Navy. This joint maritime exercise between the two countries was carried out in the Arabian Sea. Indigenously built Guided Missile Frigate ‘INS Sahyadri Ship’ from the Indian Navy participated in the exercise. French Navy (FN) warships participated in the Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with Mistral-class amphibious assault ship FS Dixmuide and La Fayette class frigate FS La Fayette.

According to the Indian Defense Ministry, a wide spectrum of developmental changes in the field of maritime security was tested in this exercise. It included activities like cross-deck landing, boarding drills and seamanship development. The smooth conduct of the exercise reaffirmed the high level of interoperability and cooperation between the two navies.

The Defense Ministry said that INS Sahyadri is equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors. This enables it to detect and neutralize air, surface and sediment threats. The warship is a part of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet based at Visakhapatnam, under the operational control of the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (East).

Regional organizations such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) can play a crucial role in facilitating dialogue and promoting cooperation among member states. International organizations such as the United Nations can also provide a platform for the peaceful resolution of disputes and offer assistance in conflict prevention and management.

It is important for all parties to recognize that the use of force is not a solution and can only lead to further instability and suffering. Instead, a focus on diplomacy, mutual respect, and cooperation is essential for promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region and beyond.