Russia, China, and Iran to Conduct Joint Naval Exercises in Indian Ocean

Russia is set to conduct joint naval exercises with China and Iran in the Indian Ocean later this month, enhancing military cooperation among the three nations. The drills aim to foster military mutual trust and involve various maritime operations. Observers from several countries will monitor the exercises, which occur amid heightened US-Iran tensions and recent sanctions from the US.

Russia is preparing to conduct joint naval exercises with China and Iran in the Indian Ocean, according to a statement released by the Chinese defense ministry on March 9, 2023. The exercises, named ‘Security Belt-2025’, will occur in close proximity to Iran’s Chabahar port later this month. The announcement came from both Chinese state media and Russian media, highlighting the collaborative military efforts between the three nations.

The exercises aim to develop military mutual trust and enhance practical cooperation among the participating naval forces. The drills will consist of operations involving maritime target strikes, damage control, as well as joint search and rescue missions. The Chinese navy will deploy a destroyer and a supply ship for this operation, further emphasizing the collaborative nature of the exercises.

Additionally, representatives from several countries, including Azerbaijan, South Africa, Oman, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Qatar, Iraq, the UAE, and Sri Lanka, will observe the drills. This participation reflects the interest of various nations in the regional security dynamics. The exercises also signify the seventh iteration of the ‘Security Belt’ drills between Iran, Russia, and China, underlining ongoing military collaboration among these countries.

In January, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed an agreement to strengthen cooperation in trade and military sectors, which facilitates this joint exercise. The geopolitical landscape has become more tense following US President Donald Trump’s previous engagement with Iran regarding nuclear weapons, leading to strained relations and accusations of bullying from Tehran.

Recently, Trump reached out to Iranian leadership to initiate talks on nuclear agreements. In response, Ayatollah Khamenei indicated that negotiations under such circumstances would not be in Iran’s favor, dismissing any premise that hinged on US dominance. Furthermore, the US imposed new sanctions targeting Iran’s oil industry, complicating diplomatic interactions amid the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, potentially affecting US-Russia relations, which Russia is keen to leverage for mediating nuclear talks with Iran.

In summary, Russia’s upcoming joint naval exercises with China and Iran in the Indian Ocean exemplify a strengthening military alliance among these nations amid a complicated geopolitical landscape. Observations from various countries highlight the wider implications of this collaboration for regional security. The backdrop of US-Iran tensions and recent sanctions underlines the critical nature of these exercises. Overall, this joint effort seeks to enhance military cooperation and mutual trust in an increasingly polarized environment.

Original Source: www.tribuneindia.com