Daily Current Affairs : 28-October-2023

In a significant development in maritime cooperation, the European Union (EU) and India recently conducted their first joint naval exercise in the Gulf of Guinea. This exercise, which followed the third meeting of the EU-India Maritime Security Dialogue, showcased the collaborative efforts between these entities in ensuring maritime security in the region.

Key Details of the Exercise
  • The exercise featured the participation of the Indian Navy’s INS Sumedha, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, along with three ships from EU Member States.
  • These four ships engaged in a series of tactical maneuvers in international waters off the coast of Ghana.
  • The activities conducted during the exercise highlighted the shared commitment of India and the EU in supporting coastal states and the Yaoundé Architecture for maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
Understanding the Yaoundé Architecture
  • In 2013, leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), and the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC) convened in Yaoundé, Cameroon, to establish a regional strategy against illicit activities in the Gulf of Guinea waters.
  • The Yaoundé Architecture comprises the Interregional Coordination Centre (ICC), which facilitates coordination and information-sharing between the Regional Maritime Security Centre for Central Africa (CRESMAC) and the Regional Maritime Security Centre for West Africa (CRESMAO).
Insights into the Gulf of Guinea
  • The Gulf of Guinea, situated in the northeasternmost part of the tropical Atlantic Ocean, stretches from Cape Lopez in Gabon to Cape Palmas in Liberia.
  • Notably, the gulf includes significant geographical points like Null Island, the intersection of the Equator and Prime Meridian.
  • Major rivers draining into the Gulf of Guinea include the Niger and the Volta.
  • Several islands dot the Gulf, such as Annobón, Bobowasi Island, Bioko, Corisco, Elobey Grande, Elobey Chico, and São Tomé and Príncipe.
EU-India Maritime Cooperation: Enhancing Gulf of Guinea Security
Courtesy: World Atlas
Important Points:

EU-India Joint Naval Exercise in Gulf of Guinea

  • The European Union (EU) and India conducted their first joint naval exercise in the Gulf of Guinea.
  • The exercise followed the third meeting of the EU-India Maritime Security Dialogue.
  • Indian Navy’s INS Sumedha, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, participated, along with three EU Member States’ ships.
  • The exercise included tactical maneuvers in international waters off the coast of Ghana.
  • It demonstrated the shared commitment of India and the EU to maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.

Yaoundé Architecture

  • The Yaoundé Architecture is a regional strategy created in 2013 by leaders of ECOWAS, ECCAS, and GGC.
  • It aims to prevent and prosecute illicit activities in the waters of the Gulf of Guinea.
  • The architecture includes the Interregional Coordination Centre (ICC) connecting CRESMAC and CRESMAO.

Gulf of Guinea

  • The Gulf of Guinea is located in the northeastern part of the tropical Atlantic Ocean.
  • It stretches from Cape Lopez in Gabon to Cape Palmas in Liberia.
  • Notable geographic point: Null Island, at the intersection of the Equator and Prime Meridian.
  • Major rivers flowing into the Gulf: Niger and Volta.
  • Islands in the Gulf of Guinea include Annobón, Bobowasi Island, Bioko, Corisco, Elobey Grande, Elobey Chico, and São Tomé and Príncipe.

Importance

  • The joint naval exercise emphasizes the need for international collaboration in ensuring maritime security.
  • Such initiatives and support for regional frameworks like the Yaoundé Architecture promote stability, deter illicit activities, and stimulate economic development in the Gulf of Guinea and surrounding regions.
Why In News

Recently, the European Union (EU) and India conducted their first joint naval exercise in the Gulf of Guinea, showcasing their commitment to enhancing maritime security cooperation and strengthening diplomatic ties between the two regions.

MCQs about EU-India Maritime Cooperation: Enhancing Gulf of Guinea Security

  1. What was the primary focus of the EU-India joint naval exercise in the Gulf of Guinea?
    A. Enhancing fishing activities
    B. Ensuring maritime security
    C. Conducting scientific research
    D. Promoting tourism
    Correct Answer: B. Ensuring maritime security
    Explanation: The joint naval exercise between the EU and India aimed to ensure maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, as highlighted by their commitment to supporting coastal states and the Yaoundé Architecture.
  2. Which regional strategy was discussed in the essay for preventing and prosecuting illicit activities in the Gulf of Guinea waters?
    A. Singapore Declaration
    B. Yaoundé Architecture
    C. Helsinki Accord
    D. Rio Protocol
    Correct Answer: B. Yaoundé Architecture
    Explanation: The Yaoundé Architecture involves coordination between the Interregional Coordination Centre (ICC), CRESMAC, and CRESMAO to prevent and prosecute illicit activities in the Gulf of Guinea waters.
  3. Which Indian naval vessel participated in the joint exercise in the Gulf of Guinea?
    A. INS Sumedha
    B. INS Vikramaditya
    C. INS Chakra
    D. INS Arihant
    Correct Answer: A. INS Sumedha
    Explanation: The Indian Navy’s INS Sumedha, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, participated in the joint naval exercise in the Gulf of Guinea, showcasing international collaboration in maritime security efforts.
  4. What major rivers drain into the Gulf of Guinea?
    A. Amazon and Nile
    B. Ganges and Yangtze
    C. Niger and Volta
    D. Danube and Thames
    Correct Answer: C. Niger and Volta
    Explanation: The major rivers draining into the Gulf of Guinea are the Niger and the Volta, highlighting the geographical significance of the region in terms of maritime security.

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