Iran, China, Russia to begin joint naval drill in Indian Ocean Tuesday

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
11 Mar 2024 14:46
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In a significant display of maritime collaboration, the 2024 Marine Security Belt naval exercise is poised to enter its main phase on Tuesday.

Iranian and Chinese navy soldiers at the end of the exercise trio-Russia, China, and Iran naval drills, March 2023 (Tasnim)

The primary stage of the 2024 Marine Security Belt naval exercise in the Indian Ocean, featuring the navies of Iran, China, and Russia, is set to commence on Tuesday.

Surface and air units from the Iranian Navy, along with naval vessels from China and Russia, are set to partake in the annual 2024 Marine Security Belt naval exercise. Additionally, representatives from Oman, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and South Africa will be in attendance for this year's war game.

The primary objective of the exercise is to strengthen security and its underlying principles in the region. It aims to enhance multilateral cooperation among participating nations, showcasing their collective capability to support global peace and maritime security. The exercise also seeks to lay the groundwork for collaborative efforts in shaping a maritime community in the future.

Additional objectives encompass enhancing the security of global maritime trade, addressing piracy and maritime terrorism, implementing humanitarian measures, sharing information related to maritime rescue, and exchanging operational and tactical experiences.

Last month, Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, Commander of the Iranian Navy, disclosed to the IRIB News Agency that the country's naval forces are set to conduct joint naval drills with allied forces in the upcoming weeks.

At the time, the commander highlighted that the Iranian navy has maintained a presence in international waters since 2009, aiming to safeguard maritime transportation and ensure the security of commercial ships and tankers. Additionally, he noted that the country's navy frequently conducts patrols in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea to protect surrounding water bodies.

Furthermore, Irani emphasized that Iranian naval units have been tasked with safeguarding naval routes and providing security for merchant vessels and oil tankers, whether owned or leased by Iran or other countries. He added that Iran’s naval forces have occasionally responded to distress calls from foreign commercial ships.

It is worth noting that Iran's Navy in recent years has achieved unprecedented self-sufficiency in manufacturing surface and sub-surface vessels. It has also expanded its presence in international waters to safeguard naval routes and ensure the security of merchant vessels and tankers.

The Iranian naval forces have frequently conducted military drills with various countries, including Russia, China, and Pakistan to enhance their combat readiness.

They have also taken part in collaborative efforts to combat piracy and maritime terrorism, exchanging information in naval rescue and relief operations, as well as sharing operational and tactical expertise to bolster the security and stability of international maritime trade.