Indian Navy Participates in Exercise Cutlass Express 24

The Indian Navy participated in the Exercise Cutlass Express - 24 (CE-24) which was held at Port Victoria,Seychelles from 26 February -08 March 2024.The Indian Navy was represented by INS Tir,the lead ship of the First Training Squadron. INS Tir was led by  Senior Officer, First Training Squadron, Capt Anshul Kishore.

The exercise was inaugurated by the President of Seychelles Wavel Ramkalawan in presence of dignitaries from India, USA and African countries. 

Exercise Cutlass Express

Exercise Cutlass Express is a multinational maritime exercise sponsored by the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet. 

The exercise seeks to promote maritime security and cooperation in the strategic waters of the East African coast and the Western Indian Ocean. The Exercise Cutlass Express  brings together Navies from the friendly countries of East Africa, West Indian Ocean nations, Europe, North America, and several international organizations to promote national and regional security, and increase interoperability among participating nations.

The exercise is designed to strengthen maritime domain awareness, counter illicit maritime activities, and promote adherence to the rule of law.

The exercise aims to test the participating countries Naval forces capabilities in maritime interdiction, information sharing through a series of shore-based and at-sea training events. These include visit, boarding of ships, search and seizure , counter-illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing procedures, and initiatives aimed at enhancing Women, Peace, and Security.

Exercise Cutlass Express 24 and India 

The Indian Navy has been participating in the Exercise Cutlass Express since 2019.  This year Navies of 16 countries participated in the Exercise Cutlass Express 24.The exercise culminated at a closing ceremony held at Seychelles Defence Academy, Ile Perseverance on 08 March 2024. 

Earlier INS Tir undertook joint surveillance of the Exclusive Economic Zone  of Seychelles with the Seychelles Coast Guard from 01 – 03 March 2024.There were also  professional exchanges, cross deck visits and friendly sports fixtures held with Seychelles Defence Forces. 

Exclusive Economic Zone 

Exclusive economic zone (EEZ) has been defined by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It is an area of the ocean extending upto 200 nautical miles (370 Km) from a country’s land coast. The country has the exclusive right for exploration and exploitation of the natural resources in the area.

Exclusive Economic Zones are different from the territorial waters of a country. The territorial waters of a country were set by the First United Nations Conference on the Law of the Seas 1958. It defines the territorial water of a country as 12 nautical miles (22 km) from the coast of a country. It is considered the sea boundary of a country.

Republic of Seychelles 

The Republic of Seychelles is an Island country situated in the western Indian Ocean. It is an African country which comprises around 115 islands with a large Indian population. 

Capital : Victoria 

President: Wavel Ramkalawan

Currency : Seychelles Rupee