In a major operation, the Indian Navy, in its first mission as part of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), successfully seized a staggering 940 kg of illegal drugs in the western Arabian Sea. The Indian Navy Ship INS Talwar, operating in support of the Canadian-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 under Operation Crimson Barracuda, conducted its first interdiction of illicit narcotics as a member of CMF, showcasing the nation’s robust maritime security capabilities.
Marine commandos of the multi-role frigate INS Talwar, which was mission-deployed for maritime security operations, intercepted a suspicious dhow and seized 453 kg methamphetamines, 416 kg hash and 71 kg heroin on 13 April. This is the first time the Indian Navy has operated under a foreign flag as the task force headed by the Canadian Navy. Crimson Barracuda, which concluded on April 15, focused on countering terrorist and criminal organisations’ use of the high seas to conduct smuggling operations in the Western Indian Ocean region, according to a CMF statement.
“This is the first such operation conducted by an Indian warship since India joined the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) last November. The Indian Navy’s relentless efforts as a CMF partner reaffirm its commitment to ensuring a drug-free neighbourhood,” the Indian Navy Spokesperson said.
Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) is a 42-nation naval partnership upholding the international rules-based order by promoting security and stability across 3.2 million square miles of water encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes. Headquartered in Bahrain, it is the world’s largest international naval partnership. India became an associate member of CMF in July 2022 and a full member in November 2023. Joining the CMF is the latest in a series of multilateral engagements by the Indian Navy as part of India’s widening military diplomacy. Almost all major navies of the world are members of the grouping except China. Pakistan is a member, too.
“India’s presence in the CMF, Bahrain was long overdue. We had given Pakistan a free pass all these years,” said Pankaj Saran, former Deputy National Security Advisor, hailing the Indian Navy’s operation.
India's presence in the @CMF_Bahrain was long overdue. We had given a free pass to Pakistan all these years. @natstrat_org @indiannavy https://t.co/vWWvBhNpHP
— Pankaj Saran (@PankajSaran11) April 16, 2024
CTF 150 is one of five task forces under Combined Maritime Forces, the world’s largest international naval partnership. Its mission is to deter and disrupt the ability of non-state actors to move weapons, drugs, and other illicit substances in the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Oman.
“I commend the crew of INS Talwar for their efforts throughout this Focused Operation, and their hard work has paid off with this seizure of 940 kg of drugs,” said Royal Canadian Navy Capt. Colin Matthews, Commander, Combined Task Force 150. “This seizure, the fourth of this Focused Operation, demonstrates the effectiveness and professionalism of CMF, and of the Indian Navy, in deterring and disrupting criminal and terrorist activities at sea.”
Ravi Shankar
