The India-bound merchant vessel, 'which came under attack by a drone', is being escorted back to native shores by Coast Guard ship Vikram in the Arabian Sea, officials said on Sunday.
Indian Navy warship INS Mormugao reached MV Chem Pluto, the India-bound merchant vessel, which was 'attacked' by an Iranian drone, on Saturday night and ascertained details of the attack, officials informed on Sunday.
Regarding Maldives not renewing the Hydrographic Survey agreement with India, the Ministry of External Affairs said that India has a proven track record in this field and has been cooperating with many countries in the Indian Ocean region.
In a significant development, France has submitted its response to India's tender for buying 26 Rafale Marine jets for the Indian Navy's aircraft carriers - INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.
During the visit, the harbour activities are also scheduled during the operational turnaround including a cross-ship visit by personnel from the Royal Thai Navy (RTN), Academy and a planning conference for maritime partnership exercise (MPX).
According to IMD, a cyclonic circulation that was over the Equatorial Indian Ocean and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal off the south Sri Lanka coast now lies over the Comorin area and neighbourhood.
The UK Defence Secretary announced the departure of HMS Diamond to join Operation Kipion, increasing the UK's maritime presence in the Gulf and the Indian Ocean, a statement issued by the UK government read.