Indian strategists, navalists and senior defence officials like to believe the recent round of exercises between the Indian and United States navies in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) could ‘unnerve’ the Chinese army occupying the country’s territory in Ladakh and facilitate its withdrawal.
The 72-hour long ‘passage exercises’ off the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago on July 21 featured four warships from either side, including a US Navy (USN) carrier-battle group, led by the nuclear-powered USS Nimitz. These basic manoeuvres, according to a USN press statement, involved ‘maximizing training and interoperability, including air defence’. Explaining the significance, the USN statement says, “Naval engagements such as these exercises improve the cooperation of US and Indian maritime forces and contribute to both sides’ ability to counter threats at sea, from piracy to violent extremism. These engagements also present opportunities to build upon the pre-existing strong relationship between the US and India and allow both countries to learn from each other. ” Read More…
