Gulf of Guinea: Indian Naval Ship SUMEDHA visits Nigeria

Source: The post is based on the article “Gulf of Guinea: Indian Naval Ship SUMEDHA visits Nigeria” published in “PIB” on 17th October 2023

What is the News?

The Indian Navy Ship (INS) SUMEDHA has made a port call to Nigeria to improve existing bilateral relations as well as security in the Gulf of Guinea.

Where is the Gulf of Guinea?

The Gulf of Guinea is the northeasternmost part of the Atlantic Ocean.

Null Island, defined as the intersection of the Equator and Prime Meridian (zero degrees latitude and longitude) is in the gulf.

Among the many rivers that drain into the Gulf of Guinea are the Niger and the Volta.

The Gulf of Guinea is known for its rich maritime resources, including oil and natural gas.It is also an important region for international shipping and trade.

However,  the Gulf of Guinea is also known as the world’s hotspot for maritime piracy. Over the last 15 years container ships, fishing vessels, and oil tankers in the region have been the targets of numerous armed attacks and kidnappings.

What is INS Sumedha?

INS Sumedha is the third vessel of the indigenously designed ‘Saryu’ Class Naval Offshore Patrol Vessels (NOPV).

The ship can handle various tasks both on its own and as part of the fleet.It is equipped with weapons, sensors, advanced navigation and communication systems, as well as Electronic Warfare tools.

It has been involved in different missions like supporting the fleet, patrolling the coast, monitoring the ocean, and assisting in humanitarian and disaster relief efforts. 

One such mission was Operation Kaveri, where it helped evacuate Indian citizens from conflict-stricken Sudan.