In a significant gesture of cooperation, the Government of India on November 8, 2024, handed over two state-of-the-art Fast Interceptor Craft (FIC) to Mozambique at a ceremony held in Nacala. This gift is part of India’s ongoing efforts to enhance maritime security across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and strengthen ties with friendly nations.
The water-jet propelled FICs, which were transshipped from India aboard the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Gharial, are equipped with cutting-edge technology to assist Mozambique in its fight against maritime terrorism and insurgency, particularly in the Cabo Delgado province. The FICs are capable of speeds up to 45 knots, with a range of 200 nautical miles at 12 knots. They can carry a crew of five personnel and are armed with machine guns, offering robust defense capabilities with bullet-resistant cabins.
The handover ceremony was attended by key dignitaries, including the High Commissioner of India to Mozambique, Shri Robert Shetkintong; India’s newly appointed Defence Adviser in Maputo, Col Puneet Attri; and the Commanding Officer of INS Gharial, Commander Rajan Chib. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of National Defence of Mozambique, Mr. Augusto Casimiro Mueio, formally accepted the vessels on behalf of the Mozambican government.
This gift is not the first instance of India extending its support to Mozambique’s maritime security. In 2019, India had previously gifted two large interceptor vessels to Mozambique, followed by another set of FICs in January 2022. These efforts are part of India’s broader commitment to supporting countries in the region in their efforts to combat various maritime security challenges, including piracy, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and illegal fishing.
India’s relationship with Mozambique, particularly in the maritime security sector, has deepened over the years. In addition to providing advanced naval equipment, India has offered extensive training to Mozambique's armed forces in various Indian military institutions. Moreover, India’s assistance has extended beyond security matters; in 2019, India provided humanitarian aid following Cyclone Idai, rescuing over 200 civilians and supplying food and medical aid. During the COVID-19 pandemic, India donated significant amounts of the COVISHIELD vaccine to Mozambique, demonstrating the enduring nature of their partnership.
The two gifted FICs will play a crucial role in Mozambique’s anti-insurgency operations, maritime patrols, and logistics missions. India’s Navy has also been a key player in joint exercises with the Mozambique Navy, including the 2nd India-Mozambique-Tanzania Trilateral Exercise held in March 2023 at Nacala. Indian warships have regularly visited Mozambican ports such as Maputo, Beira, and Nacala, further strengthening maritime cooperation between the two nations.
India’s support to Mozambique is in line with the vision of 'Security and Growth for All in the Region' (SAGAR) articulated by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, underlining India’s commitment to fostering peace, stability, and security across the Indian Ocean Region.
This ongoing collaboration exemplifies India’s role as a reliable partner in ensuring a secure and prosperous maritime environment in the IOR, benefiting both Mozambique and the broader international community.(PR)