News Story: 14 dead, unknown number missing after Rohingya boat capsizes off Bangladesh

DHAKA, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- At least 14 bodies were recovered after a boat with dozens of Rohingyas fleeing Myanmar capsized in the Bay of Bengal close to Bangladesh's southeastern Cox's Bazar district bordering Myanmar, a senior police official said Thursday.

The accident also left an unknown number of people missing, the police official said.

Afrozul Hoque Tutul, additional police superintendent of Cox's Bazar district, told Xinhua at about 6:30 p.m. local time that "14 bodies have so far been recovered."

He could not tell immediately when the boat capsized but assumed that it may have capsized sometime Thursday evening.

Law enforcers rushed to recover the bodies which were floating in the Bay of Bengal near Inani sea beach area of Cox's Bazar district, some 292 km southeast of capital Dhaka, he said.

Read the full story at Xinhua

USA: Nimitz Carrier Strike Group concludes Malabar exercise

By MC3 Weston A. Mohr, USS Nimitz Public Affairs

Ships from the Indian Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and U.S. Navy sail in formation as part of exercise Malabar. (U.S. Navy/MC3 Cole Schroeder) >>

BAY OF BENGAL - Maritime forces from India, Japan, and the United States completed Exercise Malabar 2017, July 17, in the Bay of Bengal.

The exercise was designed to advance military-to-military coordination and capacity to plan and execute tactical operations in a multinational environment.

Exercise Malabar began in 1992 and this year marks the 21st rendition of the exercise. The objectives of Malabar 2017 were to improve interoperability between the U.S., Indian and Japanese maritime forces, provide an opportunity to conduct engagements with India and Japan, and demonstrate U.S. naval presence in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

"Exercise Malabar is a great symbol of friendship between India, the United States and Japan," said Indian Navy Rear Adm. Biswajit Dasgupta, flag officer commanding Eastern Fleet. "Malabar is one of the main elements in our defense partnership, and it conveys a message that the three countries are willing to work together closely in the maritime arena."

News Report: Malabar Drills - Who's Trying to Pit India Against China, 'Add Fuel to the Fire'?

US Navy Cmdr. Rear Adm. William Byrne has said that the ongoing war games between the navies of the US, Japan and India, known as Malabar 2017, are intended as a "strategic message to China." Commenting on the announcement, Russian military analyst Alexei Leonkov told Sputnik Radio that this interpretation is an attempt to pit India against China.

On July 10, the US, India and Japan started trilateral two-phase war games, known as Malabar 2017, hosted by the Indian Navy.

The exercises are being held in Chennai and the waters of the Bay of Bengal.

According to the Indian media, the US Navy is fielding USS Nimitz, the world’s largest aircraft carrier. The Indian Navy’s solitary aircraft carrier, the INS Vikramaditya, and Japan’s Izumo-class helicopter carrier are also among the 20-odd warships taking part in the exercise.

A US guided-missile cruiser, the USS Princeton, is also participating, as well as the guided-missile destroyers USS Howard, USS Shoup, and USS Kidd. The US arsenal includes a P-8A Poseidon submarine hunter plane and a Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine; and the Japanese destroyer JS Sazanami will take part.

News Report: 'Strategic Message' for Beijing - US Leads Massive Navy Drills With India, Japan

The US Nimitz Carrier Strike Group arrived in India for war games with the Japanese and Indian navies known as Malabar 2017, the US Navy announced Monday.

"I would like to say this is a strategic message to China," US Navy Cmdr. Rear Adm. William Byrne told reporters.

"Malabar 2017 is a trilateral, two-phase exercise hosted by the Indian navy and held in Chennai and the waters of the Bay of Bengal," a Navy release stated.

The drill "consists of shore and sea phases that emphasize high-end warfighting skills, maritime superiority and power projection."

The US Navy explained Malabar 2017 is part of ongoing joint exercises involving the US that started in 1992 to address shared threats to maritime security in the Indo-Asia Pacific. 

USA: Nimitz Carrier Strike Group begins Malabar 2017

From Carrier Strike Group 11 Public Affairs

Ships assigned to the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group transit the Surigao Strait earlier this month. (U.S. Navy/MC3 Maria I. Alvarez) >>

BAY OF BENGAL - Sailors and Marines assigned to the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, the Indian Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) commenced the Malabar in-port portions in Chennai, India, July 9.

The maritime exercise Malabar, which was first held in 1992, occurs annually to improve interoperability between U.S., Indian, and Japanese maritime forces. The exercise enhances maritime relationships and demonstrates credible naval power in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

“The exercise continues to grow because we are bringing in more ships and we are bringing together three countries,” said Cmdr. Vernon H. Stanfield, the Nimitz Strike Group operations officer. “We make sure that we strengthen our partnerships, and we learn from the experience so that we continue to become more proficient in the future.”

USA: U.S., Indian, Japanese maritime forces to participate in Malabar exercise

From Task Force 70 Public Affairs

In this file photo, ships from the USS George Washington (CVN 73) Carrier Strike Group, Indian Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force steam in formation during Malabar 2014. (U.S. Navy/MC3 Chris Cavagnaro) >>

CHENNAI, India - Naval ships, aircraft and personnel from India, Japan and the United States will participate in exercise Malabar 2017, July 7-17.

Malabar 2017 is the latest in a continuing series of exercises that has grown in scope and complexity over the years to address the variety of shared threats to maritime security in the Indo-Asia Pacific.

The exercise will feature both ashore and at-sea training. While ashore in Chennai, training will include subject matter expert and professional exchanges on carrier strike group operations, maritime patrol and reconnaissance operations, surface and anti-submarine warfare, medical operations, damage control, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), helicopter operations, and visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) operations.

USA: Indian, Japanese, U.S. maritime forces to participate in exercise Malabar 2017

From U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

In this file photo, ships from the U.S. and Indian navies, and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force transit in formation during Malabar 2014. (U.S. Navy/MC2 Sean M. Castellano) >>

YOKOSUKA, Japan - Naval ships, aircraft and personnel from India, Japan and the United States will participate in exercise Malabar 2017, in mid-summer 2017.

Malabar 2017 is the latest in a continuing series of exercises that has grown in scope and complexity over the years to address the variety of shared threats to maritime security in the Indo-Asia Pacific.

News Story: Aung San Suu Kyi pledges Myanmar's active participation in BIMSTEC integration process

Aung San Suu Kyi

YANGON, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi has pledged the country's continued active participation in the BIMSTEC region's integration process to fulfill the objectives of the organization and to meet the aspiration of the people of the region.

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) groups Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal and Bhutan.

Suu Kyi made the remarks in her message on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of BIMSTEC, which was published Thursday.

Read the full story at Xinhua

News Report: India to Get Long Range Missile Test Facilities in Indian Ocean

Indian Submarine launch Ballistic Missile test in 2013

India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has got governmental approval to set up the country’s land based long-range missile facility at South Andaman’s Rutland Island, which is some 200 km from the Strait of Malacca that connects the Indian Ocean to the South China Sea.

New Delhi (Sputnik) — India’s National Board of Wildlife cleared the proposal sent by DRDO in 2012 for creating infrastructure facilities for strategic surveillance system at Rutland Island. Facility will have a missile test range for testing of long range missile.

“After discussions, considering the strategic importance of the project for the country’s defense, the Standing Committee decided to recommend the proposal along with the conditions and mitigation measures prescribed by the State Chief Wildlife Warden,” a document released by India’s Ministry of Environment and Forests said.

News Story: India test-fires Prtihvi-II ballistic missile

NEW DELHI, June 2 (Xinhua) -- India Friday successfully test-fired its home-made, nuclear-capable Prithvi-II ballistic missile off the coast of the eastern state of Odisha, sources said.

"The test-firing of the surface-to-surface missile from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur near the state's Balasore district around 10 a.m. (local time) was actually part of user trial by the India Army," sources said.

The sleek missile is handled by the strategic force command and the test-firing was conducted in order to gauge the effectiveness of the weapon in a real-time situation, sources said.

Read the full story at Xinhua

News Report: India, China Struggle to Complete OBOR-Like Project in Southeast Asia

After announcing the highly ambitious Southeast Asian connectivity project in 2002, India has once again promised to expedite the India-Myanmar-Thailand project which was once touted as a rival to China's One Belt, One Road.

NEW DELHI (Sputnik) — India's Minister of Road Transport & Highway Nitin Gadkari has said the government will begin work on the highway from the northeastern state of Meghalaya to Myanmar under the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral pact from next month. The project will connect Moreh in India to Mae Sot in Thailand.

"We will probably start work on Meghalaya to Myanmar project from next month. The cost of the project is approximately $750 million," Gadkari said on Tuesday in Mumbai.

The 1360-kilometer-long project was kicked off in 2005 with the ambition of boosting trade, business, health and tourism among them. It has 69 dilapidated road bridges en route which is a crucial part of the Moreh-Mae Sot highway.

News Story: India Offers Submarine Training to Bangladesh to Balance China

Bangladesh to operate 2 Chinese built Ming Type-035 Submarines

India’s offer to train Bangladeshis in the nuances of handling submarines could signal three-way cooperation instead of hostility in the Bay of Bengal. This is because the submarines are of Chinese origin.

New Delhi (Sputnik) — India and China continue to compete for the affections of Bangladesh in the naval realm. After Dhaka bought two refurbished submarines from Beijing last year, India has offered to train its sailors to operate them. New Delhi wants to host the Bangladesh submarine crew at three of its schools: the Submarine Training School, the Escape Training School and the School of Advanced Undersea Warfare.

India's overtures with Bangladesh Navy are being seen as part of an attempt to leverage capacity-building cooperation in the region. This would counter-balance China's emergence as a key player in Bangladesh Navy's modernization.

In 2016, two Chinese Type 056 corvettes joined the Bangladesh Navy and two more are on order. China has also delivered two 648 ton Durjoy-class patrol craft to Bangladesh. Six more are under construction at Bangladesh's Khulna Shipyard which is also building patrol vessels in collaboration with China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation. Dhaka has plans to build warships in the Chittagong dry dock in future, once again with Chinese assistance.

Bangladesh needs to expand its navy to guard an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of 1.1 million square kilometers, equal to its landmass. Dhaka gained maritime territory from Myanmar and India in arbitration settlements in 2012 and 2014, respectively.

This story first appeared on Sputnik & is reposted here with permission.

News Story: Bangladeshi fishermen claim Myanmar navy attacked trawler

Four Bangladeshi fishermen were injured when Myanmar's navy allegedly opened fire on them while they were fishing along the countries' troubled border in the Bay of Bengal, an official said Wednesday.

A group of 14 fishermen, four of whom have been hospitalised with bullet wounds, told coastguard officials that a Myanmar navy ship had entered Bangladeshi waters and opened fire on their trawler on Tuesday.

"They said the navy ship started firing on them without any warning," coastguard officer Saiful Absar told AFP by phone from southern Saint Martin's Island, which is close to where the alleged incident happened.

"Four fishermen were injured. They had bullet wounds all over their hands and feet," he said, adding they had been taken to a hospital in the coastal district of Cox's Bazar.

The coast guard is investigating whether the Myanmar Navy had intruded into Bangladesh's territorial waters, he added.

The incident comes as tensions along Bangladesh's southeastern border with Myanmar's Rakhine state run high, after Myanmar's military launched a massive crackdown on Rohingya Muslims in October.

Read the full story at SpaceDaily

India: Indo – Russian Bilateral Naval Exercise ( Indra Navy – 2016)

The 9th edition of exercise INDRA NAVY, an annual bilateral maritime exercise between Indian Navy and Russian Navy will be conducted in the Bay of Bengal from 14 to 21 December 2016. The primary aim of exercise INDRA NAVY-16 is to increase inter-operability amongst the two navies and develop common understanding and procedures for maritime security operations. The scope of the exercise includes wide-ranging professional interactions in harbor phase and a diverse canvas of operational activities across a spectrum of maritime operations at sea. INDRA NAVY is a bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian and Russian navies and epitomizes the strategic relationship between the two countries. Initiated in 2003, the exercise has matured over the years with increase in scope, complexity of operations and level of participation.

During exercise INDRA NAVY-16, the Indian Navy will be represented by INS Ranvir a guided missile destroyer, INS Satpura an indigenous frigate and INS Kamorta an indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) corvette. In addition, an IN submarine, P8I Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Dornier Short Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer and other integral rotary wing helicopters are scheduled to participate in the bilateral exercise.

News Story: Russian-Indian naval exercise scheduled for Dec. 14-21

VLADIVOSTOK, Russia, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- The joint Russian-Indian naval exercise, code-named Indra NAVY-2016, will be held on Dec. 14 to 21, said the Russian Pacific Fleet's spokesman Vladimir Matveev.

The joint exercise will consist of two phases: the Harbor Phase will be held on Dec. 14 to 18 in southeastern Indian city of Visakhapatnam and the Sea Phase will take place in the Bay of Bengal on Dec. 19 to 21, said the spokesman.

Read the full story at Xinhua

News Report: Indian Navy Increases Vigil as China Deploys Nuclear Submarine in Pak Waters

China’s naval wooing of India’s neighbors has compelled the Indian Navy to step up vigilance of its maritime domain. As of now the Indian Navy is sanguine about monitoring Chinese naval activity on both its oceanic flanks.

New Delhi (Sputnik) — The Indian Navy has geared up for heightened Chinese activity in the oceans around its territorial waters. 

"We have the capability and assets to take on any force which is deployed, and if and when this happens, we have plans in place to tackle it. PLA nuclear submarine was deployed and did a port call at Karachi. As far as deployment of PLA navy, ships and submarines are concerned, we keep a close eye and monitor their movement," says Indian Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba.

This is for the first time a senior Indian defense official has mentioned activity by a Chinese submarine near its western coast.

News Story: Bangladesh buys two submarines from China

Bangladesh took delivery on Monday of its first submarines, bought from China, as it seeks to boost its naval power in the Bay of Bengal.

Bangladesh paid a reported $203 million for the two submarines, a deal that reflects the country's growing economic and defence ties with Beijing.

Armed forces spokeswoman Taposhi Rabeya said they would become part of the country's naval fleet at the beginning of next year.

"This is the first ever addition of submarines in Bangladesh defence force," she told AFP.

Bangladesh has been expanding its defence capabilities in recent years, building a new airbase close to neighbouring Myanmar, opening several new military cantonments across the country and adding new frigates to its naval fleet.

Read the full story at SpaceWar

News Story: Listening to the Ocean: India Starts Undersea Project to Monitor Rival Subs

Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Click Image to Enlarge)

India intends to construct a seabed-based surveillance sensor array. This would monitor all submarine or naval ships patrolling the South China Sea and Indian Ocean Region.

New Delhi (Sputnik) – Indian PM Narendra Modi's government has given its approval to a project under which it will start laying an undersea optical fiber cable to strategically important locations in the Indian Ocean region.

“Union Cabinet has given its approval for the provision of a direct communication link through a dedicated submarine Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) between India's mainland (Chennai) and Port Blair and five other islands viz. Little Andaman, Car Nicobar, Havelock, Kamorta and Great Nicobar,” reads a statement released by Indian government. 

News Report: India Fast-Tracks Development of 26 Islands to Expand its Maritime Outreach

Internal security audit determines that hundreds of unmanned Islands could pose a major external threat to India.

New Delhi (Sputnik) – India has identified 26 strategically important Islands for development to possibly use for strategic and tourism purposes. The islands stretch from the Bay of Bengal to Arabian Sea.

In a high level meeting chaired by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it was decided that out of a total of 1,382 offshore islands, 26 could be considered for development. 

Government sources told to Sputnik that Smith Island, Ross Island, Avis Island, Long Island, and Little Andaman are identified for development in the Bay of Bengal while Bangaram, Thinnakara, Suheli, Cheriyam, and Minicoy Islands will be developed in Arabian Sea. India has engaged international experts to prepare a detailed development plan to this end. 

“Development activities shall be centered around basic infrastructure, tourism, agriculture (including organic agriculture and fisheries), and carbon-neutral energy generation,” reads an official statement released by Prime Minister’s Office. But, sources say that the decision has been taken with a view to preventing terrorist activities along its coastline. Security agencies conducted an audit of hundreds of Islands in the aftermath of the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack. The audit concluded that these deserted Islands could pose major security threat to India.

This story first appeared on Sputnik & is reposted here with permission.

News Report: Japan Joins Major US-India Naval Exercise on Beijing’s Doorstep

Image Added by Pacific Sentinel: WATERS EAST OF OKINAWA (July 30, 2014) Ships from U.S. and Indian navies, and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force transit in formation during Malabar 2014, a trilateral naval field training exercise aimed at improving maritime relationships and increasing understanding in multinational operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chris Cavagnaro/Released) [Image: Flickr User - U.S. Pacific Fleet] >>

Large-scale naval war games will take place in the East China Sea along China’s western border in the latest provocative act by the US government to contain China.

On Tuesday, Japan’s Ministry of Defense announced that its country’s forces will join Exercise Malabar, an annual large-scale naval drill hosted by the United States and India. The military exercise is to take place in an area of the East China Sea claimed by Beijing creating a risk that the wargames will further increase regional tensions.

Japan will join the exercise for the first time since 2007 (PacificSentinel Note: this is wrong, as you can see from the Image above, Japan participated in Malabar 2014), with international analysts citing Tokyo’s concerns about China’s recent claims to the Japanese controlled Senkaku Islands 137 miles (220km) west of Taiwan.