Indian Ocean: News

Swift heating of Indian Ocean may result in disastrous outcomes

A recent study led by Roxy Mathew Koll, a climate scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune, warns of potential catastrophic consequences due to the rapid warming of the Indian Ocean.

Maldives 20th parliamentary election today amidst political tensions

The picturesque island nation of the Maldives, located in the Indian Ocean, will hold its 20th parliamentary election on Sunday.

Maldives thanks India for allowing limited essential exports amid tensions 

Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer has publicly expressed gratitude to India for allowing the export of essential supplies to the Maldives for fiscal year 2024-25.

India's Samudrayaan mission to study ocean bed by 2025

India's Earth Sciences Minister, Kiren Rijiju, has shared exciting news about the country's Samudrayaan mission

Indian Navy rescues 19 Pakistani nationals from Somali pirates

The Indian Navy's INS Sumitra conducted a successful anti-piracy operation in the Arabian Sea on Monday evening, an official statement said on Tuesday.

Cargo ship with 15 Indians hijacked off Somalia coast

A cargo ship, MV LILA NORFOLK, with 15 Indian crew members on board, has been hijacked near Somalia's coast, ANI reported.

Indian Navy intercepts Malta-flagged vessel allegedly hijacked by pirates

The Indian Navy responded swiftly to a distress call about a hijacking incident involving Malta-flagged MV Ruen in the Arabian Sea on Thursday.

India bolsters Indian Ocean security with Oman base, Mauritius airstrip

Amid China's growing presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), India has operationalized a maritime support base in Oman's Duqm Port and is reportedly considering an air support facility in the north Agalega Islands of Mauritius.

Chinese 'spy ship' docks in Sri Lanka amid India's concerns

A Chinese research vessel, purportedly a spy ship, docked in Sri Lanka's Hambantota Port on Tuesday amid concerns in India.

Chinese rocket debris bedazzles sky before falling into Indian Ocean

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Or is it Superman? No, it's a Chinese rocket lighting up the night sky!

Amid India-China border row, Australia to join Malabar naval exercise

The Defence Ministry on Monday announced that Australia will be joining the upcoming Malabar naval exercise, completing the Quad or quadrilateral coalition along with the United States and Japan.

Tamil Nadu rains: 15 people killed, schools closed

In an unfortunate incident, 15 people were killed after a wall collapsed this morning in a village near Mettupalayam in Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore district, as heavy rains continue to batter the southern state.

5 most serene, cleanest beaches you must visit

Beaches are one of the places where you can unwind and refresh.

Planning a family-vacation? Here are five best destinations to explore

If family vacation is on your mind, thumbs up for the idea!

Top five honeymoon destinations in Asia

Just like weddings, honeymoons are also a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and for that very reason, they must be unforgettably special.

Pentagon strongly denies reports of spying on India's ASAT test

The Pentagon has strongly denied the reports that the US spied on India's anti-satellite (ASAT) missile test by sending a reconnaissance aircraft from its base in Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean to monitor the development.

ISRO set to launch communication satellite GSAT-31 this Wednesday

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is all set to launch its 40th communication satellite GSAT-31 on Wednesday from the spaceport in French Guiana (French and European spaceport).

India and France hold talks on deepening bilateral cooperation

India and France today held discussions on deepening bilateral strategic partnership through cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, defense, space, and civil nuclear energy sectors.

Singapore summit: Pence, Modi to discuss bilateral relationship, defense cooperation

US Vice President Mike Pence and PM Narendra Modi would discuss India-US defense cooperation and bilateral relationship during their meeting in Singapore next week, the White House said yesterday.

India helped in democracy restoration in Maldives: Maumoon Abdul Gayoom

India played a "positive" role in the restoration of democracy in the Maldives by "exerting pressure" on the ruling regime, and the new government in the island nation would be "sensitive" towards New Delhi's "concerns", former Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom said Sunday.

5 most breathtakingly beautiful airports in India

Many amazing domestic and International trips begin and end with air travel.

Maldives leader Abdulla Yameen blames defeat on 'disappearing ink'

Outgoing Maldives President Abdulla Yameen has told the Supreme Court that disappearing ink and specially treated ballot papers were to blame for his heavy election defeat last month.

Air India wall collision: Foreign media simply can't believe it

An Air India flight's collision with a boundary wall has left foreign media absolutely bewildered.

Injured sailor Abhilash Tomy set to return home after rescue

Injured Indian Navy sailor Abhilash Tomy, rescued in a multi-nation operation from the Indian Ocean near Australia, is set to return home.

Naval Commander Abhilash Tomy has been rescued after three days

In what is sure to give relief to well-wishers and family members of circumnavigator Abhilash Tomy, he has been rescued after three days by French vessel Osiris.

Circumnavigator Abhilash Tomy's yacht capsizes in Indian-Ocean, Navy sends help

The Indian Navy has sent frigate INS Satpura to rescue 39-year-old Golden Globe Race Commander Abhilash Tomy who was injured after his yacht capsized in the Indian Ocean, off Perth on Friday.

Must ensure Africa doesn't become 'theater of rival ambitions': Swaraj

India will work with Africa to keep the oceans open for benefit of all nations, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, asserting that the two sides must work together to ensure that the second largest continent doesn't again turn into a "theater of rival ambitions".

Strong 6.2-magnitude quake hits eastern Indonesia, no tsunami warning issued

A strong 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Indonesia today, US Geological Survey (USGS) said, but there was no tsunami warning or immediate reports of damage.

India, Vietnam to strengthen trade, investment, maritime, defense cooperation

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today held talks with her Vietnamese counterpart Pham Binh Minh and discussed measures to strengthen trade, investment, maritime and defense cooperation between the two countries.

Swaraj talks about economic importance of Indian Ocean in Vietnam

Emphasizing the economic importance of the Indian Ocean, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has said with the eastward shift of the global economy, the Indian Ocean is at the center of the emerging "Age of Asia" and those who live in this region bear the primary responsibility for its peace and stability.

Grieved families of MH370 victims hope for answers from official-report

Relatives of people aboard Malaysian Flight MH370 said today they hoped a long-awaited report into the plane's disappearance might give them answers about one of the world's most enduring aviation mysteries.

Seychelles calls off key military-deal with India before president's visit

Weeks before a New Delhi visit, Seychelles President Danny Faure called off a significant defense deal that would have allowed India to expand its strategic reach in the Indian Ocean.

Indian armed forces building partnerships in Indo-Pacific region: PM Modi

Describing the Indo-Pacific as a "natural region", PM Narendra Modi said India's armed forces, especially the Navy, are building and expanding partnerships in the strategically vital region for peace, security, and humanitarian assistance.

US Pacific Command is now US Indo-Pacific Command: Trump admin

The Trump administration today renamed the US Pacific Command to US Indo-Pacific Command in recognition of the increasing connectivity between the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Ocean Infinity's search for Malaysia Airlines MH370 formally ends today

The underwater search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 has come to an end today, finding no trace of the aircraft but Australian Government is hopeful that one day it will be located.

China using Taiwan to gain more control, isolate India, Japan

China will turn Taiwan into a major nuclear and conventional military base and use it to gain more control over the disputed South China Sea to "isolate" both India and Japan, warned Richard D Fisher of the International Assessment and Strategy Center yesterday.

Unseasonal lightning strikes kill 9 in Andhra Pradesh

The unseasonal lightning strikes in Andhra Pradesh have killed nine people, including a nine-year-old girl, since Tuesday.

Last Sikh Queen's earrings fetch £175,000, 6 times auction estimate

A pair of gold pendant earrings from the collection of last Sikh Queen of Punjab Maharani Jind Kaur fetched £175,000 (Rs. 1.6cr approximately), nearly six times the guide price, at an auction.

Indian Navy extends warning to China's navy through witty tweets

In a world where verbal battles are increasingly being fought on social media, the Indian Navy seems to have won a victory of sorts over the naval forces of arch-rivals China.

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.