The Indian Navy commenced maritime drills in Mauritius on Thursday. The drills reportedly seek to enhance the capacities of the African country's police to carry out maritime missions and "salvage operations" in ocean waters.
"Indian Navy's Mobile Training Team (MTT) of Marine Commandos MARCOs & Divers have commenced the 14th edition of Special Forces & Diving Refresher Camp for the Mauritius Police Force at Port Louis, Mauritius," India's blue water force said.
The Indian Navy added that the training camp was an annual affair, and the core purpose of this exercise was to strengthen interoperability between the security forces of the two nations.
The Indian Navy's latest maritime exercise with Mauritius is a step forward in the South Asian nation's ongoing outreach to the countries of Africa, where New Delhi is making efforts to emerge as one of the prime suppliers of defense products.
The Indian Navy's latest maritime exercise with Mauritius is a step forward in the South Asian nation's ongoing outreach to the countries of Africa, where New Delhi is making efforts to emerge as one of the prime suppliers of defense products.
Indian Wishes to Sell Military Hardware to Africa
Earlier this year, an Indian Army veteran told Sputnik India that New Delhi was making efforts to export weapons to African countries in a big way.
"India wants to emerge as one of the major arms exporters to these countries. It is targeting African countries in a big way because these countries don't have deep pockets. They want something affordable, reliable, resilient and transparent," Major General (Retd.) P.K. Sehgal said.