3 naval ships in Russia on four-day visit

New Delhi, June 27: Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri, INS Shakti and INS Kirch have arrived at Vladivostok in Russia on a four day visit, as part of the deployment of the Eastern Fleet to the South China Sea.

Indian Navy Spokesperson said on Monday that the ships are under the Command of the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, Rear Admiral S V Bhokare.

INS Sahyadri is commanded by Captain K S Rajkumar, INS Shakti Captain Gagan Kaushal and INS Kirch Commander Sharad Sinsunwal.

Last visit by Indian naval ships to Russia was in July 2014, when INS Ranvijay, INS Shivalik and INS Shakti berthed at Vladivostok.

Navy calls the current mission as a demonstration of India's commitment to long-standing India-Russia strategic partnership and increasing footprint and operational reach.

As part of the visit, the ships will have professional interactions with the Russian Navy aimed at enhancing co-operation between the two forces.

Senior Russian government and military officials are expected to visit the ship, followed by sporting and cultural interactions.

The visiting ships will also conduct exercises with the Russian Navy to enhance interoperability in communication as well as SAR (search and rescue) procedures.

"The Indian Navy and Russian Navy have forged enduring linkages with each other, beyond commonality of weapon systems and equipment, overcoming barriers of distance and language," says the spokesperson.
The two navies have also engaged with each other annually through the INDRA NAVY series of maritime exercise.

OneIndia News