Indian Frigate Visiting African Countries

The Indian Navy frigate INS Tarkash has visited Senegal and is due in Nigeria as part of its overseas deployment to Africa, Europe and Russia.

The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Tarkash made a port call at Dakar, Senegal, on 27 August for a three day visit. The ship is part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet and under the Operational Command of Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, based at Mumbai. The port call is a demonstration of India’s warm ties with Senegal, the Indian Navy said.

Senegal and India have traditionally enjoyed warm and friendly relations, sharing common values of democracy, development and secularism. A number of bilateral arrangements for defence co-operation and cultural exchange exist between the two countries. The Indian Armed Forces also conduct various training courses for personnel of the Senegalese Armed Forces at Defence Training Institutions in India.

Indian Navy ships are regularly deployed overseas as part of Indian Navy’s mission of building ‘Bridges of Friendship’ and strengthening international cooperation with friendly countries.

INS Tarkash, commanded by Captain Sathish Vasudev, is due to dock in Lagos, Nigeria, on 5 September, and depart on 8 September.

The embassy of India in Nigeria said the visit is coming at a time Nigeria and India are marking 60 years of bilateral relations.

While in Nigeria, the ship will engage extensively with the Nigerian Navy including professional interactions and joint exercises, sports events and social engagements.

“The visit reflects the commitment of the Indian Navy to collaborate with the Nigerian Navy in the face of growing global maritime security challenges, especially in the Gulf of Guinea,” the Indian embassy said.

Source: Defenceweb.za

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