Nigeria: The Indian Navy Ship (INS) Sumedha on Friday (October 13) made a port call at Lagos in Nigeria as part of its deployment to the Gulf of Guinea. The aim of this visit was to further strengthen diplomatic relations, reinforce maritime co-operation and boost interoperability between the two navies.
The Indian Ministry of Defence said that various activities including professional interactions, planning conferences in harbour and exercises at sea are scheduled for exchange of best practices.
In addition to social engagements and sports fixtures, the ship conducted a Medical Camp along with Nigerian Navy doctors for the local populace. Sumedha will also be undertaking a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with NNS Unity, with the aim to augment interoperability between both navies. Indian Ministry of Defence said in its statement.
Indian Ministry of Defence further said that this is the Indian Navy's second deployment to the piracy prone Gulf of Guinea (GoG)patrol after the maiden GoG patrol was undertaken by INS Tarkash in Oct 22. The Indian Navy aims to partner with Regional countries in combating piracy and ensuring secure seas for unimpeded trade.
According to Indian Ministry of Defence, INS Sumedha, commanded by Cdr MC Chandeep, is third of the indigenously designed and manufactured 'Saryu' Class Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV). The ship has the capability to be deployed for multiple roles independently and in support of Fleet Operations. It is equipped with weapon systems, sensors, state of art navigation, communication systems and Electronic Warfare suites. INS 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 Indian Ministry of Defence further said that Nigeria and India have traditionally enjoyed warm and friendly relations, sharing common values of democracy, development and secularism. A number of bilateral arrangements for defence co-operation and cultural exchange exist between the two countries. The deployment also highlights the warm and cordial relation of India with West African countries.
