The Indian government has failed to conclude a deal with foreign manufacturers to acquire mine countermeasure vessels since 2005. In the meantime, the last batch of minesweepers retired last year, rendering the Indian Navy devoid of the crucial asset

New Delhi — As the wait continues for the Indian Navy to get Mine Counter Measure Vessels (MCMVs), the last batch of which retired in 2018, the government has arranged alternatives to these vessels, which are considered vital for keeping critical sea lanes safe. Without divulging too many details about the proposed alternative vessels, Subhash Bhamre, India's minister of state for defence, informed the parliament about the status of acquisition of alternate vessels to meet the requirement of the world's fifth-largest navy, which is operating without minesweepers. The Indian Navy needs at least 24 MCMVs to plug the shortfall. China, on the other hand, has more than 100 MCMVs. 

"In the meantime, in order to meet the requirement a contract for procurement of eight Clip Influence Sweep (CLOIS) for mine-sweeping has already been concluded", Subhash Bhamre informed the parliament on Wednesday.