1.    At the request of the Government of the Republic of Mauritius, the Government of India has deployed Indian Naval ShipSukanya in Mauritian waters from June 28- July 15, 2013 to conduct joint patrolling and surveillance of the EEZ of Mauritius.

2.   The primary objective of the visit of INS Sukanya to Mauritian waters is to undertake EEZ surveillance and joint anti-piracy patrols to reinforce deterrence against piracy and illegal fishing. Sukanya has an endurance of over 7000 NM, endowing her with capability to remain at sea for prolonged durations. Sukanyahas successfully participated in several anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden.

3.   During the course of its deployment the ship carried out Outer Island support en route to Port Louis, which included a medical camp at Agalega Island on 29 June 2013, and transportation of materials from Agalega Island to St Brandon post at Raphael Island. The ship arrived in Port Louis on 03 July 2013, and at  harbour the ship undertook various training activities for NCG personnel onboard. The ship also organised a blood donation camp on the jetty on 05 July 2013, in which all the ship’s crew donated blood.

4.  These committed and custom-made deployments of Indian Naval ships for undertaking joint patrol and dedicated EEZ Surveillance in conjunction with the Mauritius Police Force reflect the strong friendship and mutual trust that underpin the Indo-Mauritian partnership.