New Delhi, Nov 14 (FN Agency) In continuation with a number of bilateral arrangements for cooperation and military exchange between India and Namibia, INS Sumedha made a port call at Walvis Bay, Namibia from November 10. This port call is a manifestation of India’s ties with Namibia and its commitment to enhance maritime security and demonstrate solidarity with friendly nations. India and Namibia have enjoyed warm and friendly bilateral relations sharing common values of democracy, development and secularism. As part of its defence cooperation, India, over the years, has extended training to a large number of Namibian military officers at various military institutions in India.
During the visit, the Commanding Officer paid courtesy calls to Namibian dignitaries and senior defence officers, including the Navy Commander, Namibia Navy. Professional interactions aimed at exchanging best practices, cross-deck visits and social engagements were also conducted with Namibia Navy during the ship’s stay in harbour. According to a Defence official, Indian Navy ships are regularly deployed as part of Indian Navy’s mission of building ‘Bridges of Friendship’ and strengthening international cooperation with friendly countries as well as to address maritime concerns across the globe. The current visit seeks to accentuate India’s solidarity with friendly countries and, in particular, strengthen existing bonds of friendship with Namibia, he said.
INS Sumedha is the third of the indigenously developed Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV) of Saryu class deployed for multiple roles independently and in support of Fleet Operations. The ship is equipped with several weapon systems, sensors, state-of-art-the-navigation and communication systems and Electronic Warfare system, said a Defence official. Sumedha has undertaken various Fleet support operations, coastal and offshore patrolling, ocean surveillance and HADR missions in the past including the recently conducted Op Kaveri for evacuation of Indian diaspora from war-hit Sudan in April 23, the official said