India begins cooperation with Combined Maritime Forces
For Prelims
About Combined Maritime Forces (CMF):
The Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) is a multinational maritime partnership, which exists to uphold the Rules-Based International Order (RBIO) by countering illicit non-state actors on the high seas and promoting security, stability, and prosperity across approximately 3.2 million square miles of international waters, which encompass some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.
It has a membership of 34 countries and is led by the US Navy.
Members of CMF:
Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Iraq, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, the Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, United Kingdom, United States, and Yemen.
It comprises four task forces:
CTF 150 (maritime security and counter-terrorism), CTF 151 (counter piracy) and CTF 152 (Arabian Gulf security and cooperation), CTF 153 (Red Sea Maritime Security).
India will be joining as an ‘Associate Partner’ and will deploy warships if required, however, there has been no deployment as of now.
For Mains
How this move benefits India
As per the CMF; members are not bound by either a political or military mandate hence it does not hinder India’s strategic interests in the region.
India is also a member of the QUAD (Australia, India, Japan, and the United States) and I2U2 (India, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States), which are also aimed at ensuring the security and freedom of movement in the Indo Pacific.
This is also in line with India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative which aims at increasing the prosperity and security of the Indian ocean region.
It also helps in realising India’s Neighbourhood First policy.
This also helps in countering China’s growing influence in the region, which is of great concern to India.
source: THE HINDU
