By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow
The recent joint maritime activity between the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TRCSG) and Indian forces in the Indian Ocean marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen interoperability between the two major defense partners. This exercise, conducted on July 12, 2024, showcased the commitment of both nations to upholding a free and open Indo-Pacific region, according to a US Navy news story.
The engagement centered on several critical areas of naval operations, crucial for maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific—a region that has seen increasing geopolitical tensions. The main focus areas included enhancing maritime domain awareness, interoperability in logistics and replenishment, and air-to-air combat capabilities. Such exercises are vital as they foster a shared understanding and refine the tactics, techniques, and procedures that the two navies can employ in a coordinated manner.
The exercise included some of the most potent assets from both navies. From the American side, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), accompanied by Carrier Air Wing 11 and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Daniel Inouye (DDG 118), were pivotal. The Indian Navy was represented by the INS Visakhapatnam (D66), a guided-missile destroyer, and the replenishment ship INS Aditya (A59). The presence of these advanced platforms shows the high level of trust and cooperation that characterizes the current U.S.-India defense relationship.
Furthermore, the interoperability between the U.S. and Indian forces, particularly in areas like replenishment-at-sea and information sharing, provides a tangible increase in operational flexibility. The ability to operate seamlessly across different platforms and communication frameworks enhances the collective response capability of both nations to any regional contingency. Such interoperability is crucial, especially in a region as strategically important as the Indo-Pacific.
Moreover, the combined air-to-air drills contribute significantly to the tactical prowess of both forces. Engaging in complex air maneuvers and combat scenarios allows pilots and air crews to gain invaluable exposure to differing tactics and enhances their combat readiness through a diverse range of experiences.
This exercise aligns with broader strategic objectives, particularly the vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific. The increasing frequency and complexity of these joint operations signal a robust partnership geared towards maintaining regional stability and deterring potential aggressors. The TRCSG’s operations in the 7th Fleet’s area of responsibility, the largest forward-deployed U.S. Fleet, highlights the U.S.’s committed presence in the region and its readiness to work alongside key partners like India.
The leadership roles assumed by the Indian Navy in these exercises, and their active participation in significant multinational drills such as the ongoing RIMPAC 2024, underscore India’s growing stature and capabilities as a regional maritime leader. Such developments are likely to catalyze further strategic alignments with other countries in the Indo-Pacific, enhancing collective security mechanisms and fostering a multi-lateral approach to regional peace and stability.
