Bengaluru (Aryavarth): INS Trishul made a port call at Toamasina, Madagascar from 19 – 22 Jun 2023 as part of Operational Deployment reflecting India’s cordial ties with its maritime neighbours. As part of the theme ‘Ocean Ring of Yoga’, 9th International Yoga Day was celebrated wherein 352 personnel comprising ship’s company, officials from Governor’s and Mayor’s office, Malagasy Armed Forces, Women Police, members of Indian Embassy (including the Ambassador of India), doctors, nurses, members of Indian diaspora and local citizens participated in the event. H.E. Mr. Rafidison Richard Theodore, Governor of Antsiranana Region, Madagascar was the Chief Guest for the event.
During the ship’s visit, the Commanding Officer paid courtesy calls on Malagasy dignitaries and senior defence officers. Personnel from Indian and Malagasy Armed Forces engaged in wide range of professional interactions. The visit was aimed at enhancing cooperation and mutual understanding between both the navies.
On the occasion of World Music Day, a band performance was organised at The Mayor Hall, Toamasina, wherein IN Band and Betsimisaraka Folkloric Group ‘SAHY’ performed in the presence of dignitaries and local populace and showcased captivating musical performances. The ship was open for visitors at Toamasina, Madagascar on 21 Jun 23 and witnessed approximately 400 visitors.
Indian Navy ships are regularly deployed overseas as part of Indian Navy’s mission of building ‘Bridges of Friendship’ and strengthening international cooperation. INS Trishul, the second of the Talwar class frigates, was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 25 Jun 2003. The ship is fitted with state-of-the-art weapon and sensor package and carries a multi-role helicopter.
INS Sunayna Visits Mombasa, Kenya
Bengaluru (Aryavarth): INS Sunayna visited Mombasa, Kenya from 20-23 Jun 23 towards strengthening bilateral ties with maritime neighbours on the theme of Ocean Ring of Yoga. On arrival, the ship was received by reps from High Commission of India. The Commanding Officer called upon Brigadier Y S Abdi, Deputy Commander of Kenya Navy and highlighted the significance of Yoga towards bringing the world together. On the occasion of International Day of Yoga on 21 Jun 23, a joint Yoga session was conducted onboard with the participation of Indian Navy personnel and Kenyan Defence Forces.
A Maritime Partnership Exercise was conducted between the two navies. The crew of both Indian and Kenya Navy conducted drills in Firefighting & Damage Control, boarding exercises, asymmetric threat simulations and VBSS during the harbour phase. A HADR capsule was also conducted onboard for the Kenya Navy.
A reception in the honour of General Francis Ogolla, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF)Kenyan Defence Forces was hosted onboard Sunayna by Vice Admiral Sanjay Mahindru, Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff. The event was attended by HE Ms Namgya Khampa, High Commissioner of India, Nairobi. During his address, the CDF conveyed his gratitude towards friendly gesture by the Indian Navy in training the Kenya Navy personnel and expressed his commitment towards continuous cooperation between both the countries. The DCNS gifted 200 life jackets to Maj Gen Jimson Muthai, Commander of the Kenya Navy.
In line with the Indian Navy’s social outreach activities and community wellbeing, provisions were distributed to an orphanage at Mombasa. On departure from Mombasa, INS Sunayna undertook Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with Kenya Naval Ship Jasiri on 23 Jun 23. The visit to Mombasa reaffirms the strong and longstanding relationship between India & Kenya and will further consolidate bilateral cooperation in the maritime domain.