NAVY SPOKESPERSON

Philippines demands China return rifles and pay for boat damage after hostilities in disputed sea

The Philippine military chief has demanded China return rifles and equipment seized by the Chinese coast guard and pay for damages after an incident in the South China Sea's disputed Second Thomas Shoal. Chinese personnel rammed and boarded Philippine navy boats, seizing supplies and wounding Filipino personnel. Video footage shows the chaotic confrontation. China claims the Philippine personnel "trespassed," while the U.S. reiterated its defense obligations to the Philippines. The incident highlights ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, involving multiple regional claimants and the potential for broader conflict.

Philippines demands China return rifles and pay for boat damage after hostilities in disputed sea

The Philippine military chief demanded that China return rifles and equipment seized by the Chinese coast guard in a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, resembling an act of piracy. Chinese personnel clashed with Filipino navy, seizing boats, damaging equipment, and injuring navy personnel at Second Thomas Shoal, also claimed by Beijing.

Philippines says Beijing's words not matching actions in South China Sea

The ministry denounced China's "illegal and aggressive actions" during a routine resupply mission in the South China Sea on June 17, which the Philippine military said had severely injured a navy sailor and damaged Manila's vessels.

Indian Navy's indigenous stealth frigate INS Shivalik arrives in Japan to take part in 'JIMEX 24'

INS Shivalik and J S Yugiri are actively participating in the eighth edition of the bilateral Japan-India maritime exercise, JIMEX 24, showcasing mutual cooperation and commitment to maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Indian Navy gets fifth Missile-Cum-Ammunition Barge

The Indian Navy has launched the fifth Missile Cum Ammunition Barge, LSAM 13, Yard 81, built by MSME Shipyard SECON Engineering Projects Pvt Ltd, Visakhapatnam. The barges are part of the Missile Cum Ammunition Barge project, which aims to facilitate transportation, berthing, and disembarking of articles and ammunition for IN Ships.

Indian Navy swiftly responds to distress call from fishing vessel near Andamans

An Indian Navy Ship (INS) swiftly responded to a distress call from fishing vessel INFAN DHAS, which had experienced engine failure. INS Kulish arrived at the location, approximately 75 nautical miles east of Port Blair, and its technical team successfully rectified the engine issue, enabling the fishing vessel to resume operations. In another event, the 102nd Helicopter Conversion Course (HCC) and the 4th Basic Helicopter Conversion Course (BHCC) concluded with a passing-out parade at INS Rajali, Tamil Nadu.

White goods, FMCG imports failing to get custom-fit tag

White goods, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and FMCG companies face import delays or higher duties as customs authorities scrutinize third-party invoicing at various ports. This practice, used for tax optimization, allows invoicing through a country different from the goods' origin and is permitted under FTAs. However, customs officials suspect abuse of FTA provisions, withholding consignments and denying lower duty benefits at ports like Nhava Sheva. Authorities demand differential duty payments and invoke rules addressing potential duty evasion through third-party invoicing, leading to potential supply disruptions.

Philippines says troops held weapons but did not point at Chinese coast guard

Philippine troops on a warship in the South China Sea held onto their weapons after a close encounter with Chinese coast guard boats at a disputed shoal.

Sachin Bansal's Navi Finserv raises Rs 150 crore through NCDs

The finance committee of the board of directors of the company has approved the allotment of NCDs with a face value of Rs 1,00,000 each, totalling Rs 150 crore through private placement, the regulatory filing showed.

Naval officer's daughter becomes youngest Indian to summit Mt Everest at 16 from Nepal side

Sixteen-year-old Kaamya Karthikeyan has made history by successfully summiting Mt. Everest, becoming the youngest Indian mountaineer to achieve this feat from the Nepal side. The daughter of a naval officer, Kaamya is a class 12 student at Navy Children School in Mumbai. She climbed the world's highest peak alongside her father, Cdr S Karthikeyan, on May 20. Kaamya aims to complete the '7summits challenge' by climbing Mt. Vinson Massif in Antarctica in December, which would make her the youngest girl to achieve this remarkable feat.

Remain focused on being combat ready at all times: Navy chief to officers

Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi has emphasized the need for the Navy to remain combat-ready to protect national maritime interests, especially in light of China's increased presence in the Indian Ocean and the volatile situation in the Red Sea. He highlighted the Navy's commitment to self-reliance and the importance of finding in-house solutions and embracing new technologies to address challenges in the maritime domain. The Navy has been actively providing assistance to cargo vessels under attack in the Red Sea, where Houthi militants have targeted ships to pressure Israel.

Indian ships in Philippines to boost maritime cooperation

Three Indian Navy ships, INS Delhi, INS Shakti, and INS Kiltan, have arrived in Manila to strengthen maritime cooperation with the Philippines. The ships are part of an operational deployment of the Eastern Fleet to the South China Sea. They will engage in professional interactions, sports fixtures, cultural visits, and community outreach programs.

US military says first aid shipment has been sent across newly built pier into Gaza Strip

Trucks carrying vital aid for Gaza arrived via a U.S. floating pier amid Israeli restrictions, marking the start of an operation aiming to scale up to 150 truckloads daily. The U.S. military seeks to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza, as fuel shortages and logistical challenges persist. The U.N. emphasizes the urgent need for fuel to ensure aid reaches those in need.

Five Indian sailors on MSC Aries released, depart from Iran

The Indian Embassy, while sharing details of their release, thanked the Iranian authorities for their close coordination with the Embassy and Indian Consulate in Bandar Abbas.

Three Indian naval ships visit Singapore from May 6-9

INS Delhi, INS Shakti and INS Kiltan visited Singapore from May 6-9, aimed at undertaking bilateral engagements and discuss areas of mutual interest and cooperation, and reaffirming the commitment to enhance maritime security and stability in the region, according to an official statement shared by the Navy spokesperson.

Chinese warships have been docked in Cambodia for 5 months, but government says it's not permanent

Cambodia's Defense Ministry insisted Wednesday that the months-long presence of two Chinese warships in a strategically important naval base that is being newly expanded with funding from Beijing does not constitute a permanent deployment of the Chinese military in the country.

Chinese military officials met US and Russian naval officials this week

Chinese military officials engaged in meetings with their U.S. and Russian counterparts during a naval symposium in Qingdao, China. These discussions aimed to enhance communication and trust, with China expressing its willingness to collaborate with all countries for a shared maritime future. This development follows a period of strained relations, including a breakdown in communication after a visit to Taiwan by then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The meetings come amidst heightened regional tensions, with the U.S. and Japan discussing Japan's potential inclusion in the AUKUS defense grouping, which China views as a threat to regional stability.

Government asks shipping companies to enhance reporting, tracking mechanism on West Asian routes

Government issues ship security advisories for West Asian routes. Vessels required to enhance reporting, tracking protocols in sensitive zones like Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf Of Oman, Arabian Sea, and more. Contact Indian Navy in security incidents.

Sachin Bansal’s fintech Navi in talks to raise new funding at $2 billion valuation: sources

The $2-billion valuation Navi is seeking is lower than the previous funding discussions it had with investors. These discussions also come after Navi had filed for an IPO which had been approved by Sebi.

Indian Navy hands over nine pirates to Mumbai Police

"INS Trishul arrived at Mumbai on April 3 and handed over all nine pirates to the local police for further legal action in accordance with the Indian laws, specifically the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act 2022," Navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said.

Navy to bring apprehended pirates to India after daring Arabian sea operation

"The Indian Navy warship INS Kolkata has taken 35 sea pirates into custody and is being brought to India along with the 17 crew members rescued after the major operation," officials said on Sunday.

Navy rescues hijacked MV 2,600 km from mainland

After a dramatic intervention on the high seas that saw first operational deployment of airborne troops 2,600 km from the mainland, Indian Navy has freed a merchant vessel from pirate control and is bringing the ship and its cargo worth over $ 1 million to India.

'Indian Navy Veterans case in Qatar; the legal team has 60 days to appeal': MEA Spokesperson