In a significant move to deepen naval cooperation and address shared maritime security challenges, Admiral Marcos Sampaio Olsen, Commander of the Brazilian Navy, is on a pivotal visit to India from August 19 to 24, 2024. This visit not only highlights the growing defence ties between the two countries but also underscores their commitment to enhancing collaboration in the Indian Ocean, a region of strategic importance to both nations.

(Image: Indian Navy)

In New Delhi, Admiral Olsen held high-level discussions with Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Indian Naval Staff and the conversation covered a wide array of topics, focusing on strengthening operational engagements, expanding technical cooperation, and advancing joint training initiatives. The meeting, set against the formal backdrop of the South Block Lawns, included a ceremonial Guard of Honour, signifying the importance of the occasion.

(Image: Indian Navy)

The Indian Navy and the Brazilian Navy have long engaged in various cooperative initiatives, including operational interactions and shared training efforts, which have significantly enhanced their mutual understanding and collaboration. These navies also actively participate in multilateral forums such as the MILAN exercises and the India-Brazil-South Africa Maritime (IBSAMAR) exercises, further solidifying their strategic partnership. The broader framework of bilateral defence cooperation is managed through the Joint Defence Committee, overseen by their respective Ministries of Defence.

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Admiral Olsen’s visit to India includes a series of strategic engagements aimed at bolstering this partnership. While in New Delhi, he is set to meet with key Indian defence officials, including the Defence Secretary, the National Maritime Security Coordinator, and the Vice Chief of Army Staff. These meetings are expected to explore new opportunities for cooperation and reinforce the growing ties between the two nations.

A key aspect of Admiral Olsen’s visit is his scheduled tour of the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurugram. The IFC-IOR is a crucial hub for maritime security, facilitating real-time information sharing among partner nations. Admiral Olsen’s visit highlights the importance of intelligence and information exchange in strengthening naval cooperation and ensuring regional stability.

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In addition to his engagements in New Delhi, Admiral Olsen will also visit Mumbai, where he will interact with the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command. He is also set to tour critical naval facilities, including indigenous warships and submarines at the Naval Dockyard and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited. These visits are designed to provide Admiral Olsen with a comprehensive view of India’s naval capabilities, further enhancing the collaboration between the two navies.

(Image: Indian Navy)

Admiral Olsen’s visit to India marks a significant step forward in the defence relations between the two countries. As India and Brazil continue to face shared maritime challenges, their deepening naval cooperation is set to play a crucial role in ensuring security and stability in the Indian Ocean region.