India begins cooperation with Bahrain-based Combined Maritime Forces

Source: The post is based on the article “India begins cooperation with Bahrain-based Combined Maritime Forces” published in The Hindu on 8th August 2022.

What is the News?

India has formally commenced cooperation with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). However, the modalities of the exact nature of cooperation are being worked out.

Note: At the India-US 2+2 Ministerial dialogue in April 2022, India announced that it would join the CMF as an Associate Partner.

What is Combined Maritime Forces(CMF)?

Established in: 2001

Purpose: It is a multinational naval partnership to promote 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.

Located in: Bahrain

Commanded by: U.S. Navy Vice Admiral

Members: It consists of 34 member nations. Including countries such as Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, France, Japan, Pakistan, United States, Yemen, and others.

Task Forces: It comprises of three task forces: CTF 150 (maritime security and counter-terrorism), CTF 151 (counter piracy) and CTF 152 (Arabian Gulf security and cooperation).

Note: This is a flexible organization and members are not bound by either a political or military mandate. 

India and CMF Cooperation: India has in the past cooperated with CMF on various occasions. For instance, the CMF’s CTF 151 has coordinated with Indian and Chinese warships deployed on anti-piracy duties to patrol the Maritime Security Transit Corridor.

– Moreover, the Indian Navy has a Liaison Officer posted at the US Central Command (CENTCOM) in Bahrain who will also function as the point person for cooperation with the CMF.