Africa
India plays globo cop off Somali coast as Western navies play safe
Pirates holding the crew of the Chinese fishing vessel FV Tian Yu 8 guard their hostages November 17, 2008 as the ship passes through the Indian Ocean. India has deployed warships to safeguard her in interests off the Somali coast. Photo/REUTERS
Posted Thursday, December 18 2008 at 19:33
In Summary
India’s historical links with eastern Africa coupled with the sub continent’s thirst for Africa’s resources and the need to safeguard oil imports through the Gulf of Aden have forced her to act tough on Somali pirates, writes policy analyst PATRICK MUTAHI
With Chinese deployment, the Indian Ocean may also yet provide another space for China and India to project their military power as they safeguard their national interests.
Undoubtedly, India’s naval power is quickly coming of age. It is expected to spend about $40 billion on military modernisation from 2008 to 2013.
With the recent and ongoing upgrades and inductions, independent analysts expect the Indian navy to soon become a fully accomplished blue-water navy.
It is already among the most powerful in the region and with further upgrades in the future, the world’s fifth largest navy aims to control the Indian Ocean from the coast of East Africa to Australia. Ultimately, India may just help the East African coast get rid of piracy.
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Submitted by manmanuPosted December 21, 2008 07:24 PM
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Submitted by charlzk
mukumu totally agree!!! Where is the kenyan navy???
Posted December 20, 2008 07:38 PM -
Submitted by Anonymous author
This raises a few interesting questions. Why are Chinese fishing in Kenyan waters? I have never heard of Kenyans fishing all the way in Chinese waters - they probably wouldn't be allowed to by the Chinese. Secondly does this mean they are fishing indiscriminately and depleting our fishing resources?
Posted December 19, 2008 08:50 PM
RSS
This is an opportunity for the kenyan army and navy to do something for kenya rather than sleeping in barracks and jogging in the mornings. They could actually do some work here!