VISIT OF INDIAN WARSHIP SHARDUL TO PORT LOUIS
(08 to 11 Nov 2016 and 17 to 19 Nov 2016)

In a demonstration of India's commitment to its ties with Mauritius and to promote maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region, Indian Naval Ship Shardul has arrived at Port Louis on a three day visit. INS Shardul, an amphibious ship of the Indian Navy, is currently on a month long deployment in the Southern Indian Ocean in keeping with the vision of SAGAR - Security and Growth for all in the Region.

INS Shardul has also escorted MCGS Victory, a ship built at Goa Shipyard Limited, India and handed over to the NCG on 26 September 16. The ship would also assist local authorities in providing logistics and medical support to the outer islands of Agalega and St Brandon.

Since 2009, the Indian Navy has been deploying ships to Mauritius bi-annually to assist in patrolling the vast EEZ of the country based on requests by the Government of Mauritius. India and Mauritius enjoy very close and cordial political, economic and cultural relations with a sizeable settlement of people of Indian origin settled in Mauritius. The visit by INS Shardul would further reinforce the close cultural and diaspora ties between the two countries and contribute towards peace and maritime security in the region.

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