PRESS RELEASE

VISIT OF INDIAN NAVAL SHIPS TO PORT LOUIS

(01- 04 SEPTEMBER 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 Ships Kolkata and Aditya, under the Command of the Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet, Rear Admiral Ravneet Singh,NM,are on a three day visit to Mauritius. INS Kolkata is commanded by Captain Rahul Vilas Gokhale and INS Aditya is commanded by Captain Vidyanshu Srivastava.The ships are part of the Indian Navy's Western Fleet based at Mumbai under the Western Naval Command and are on a two month long deployment in the Western Indian Ocean.

Thevisit would contributetofurther strengthening ofmaritime security cooperation between Indian Navy and the Mauritius National Coast Guardtowards ensuring a secure and stable regional maritime environment for unhindered economic development in the region. During the visit, interactions for enhancing co-operation and sharing the nuances of naval operations, including disaster management and combating maritime threats of terrorism and piracy, would be undertaken by the two forces. Calls on senior Government authorities, training and technical cooperation measures with NCG, sporting and cultural interactions, aimed at strengthening ties and mutual understanding between the two forces, are also planned.

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