Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba leaves on a 4-day visit to Myanmar

NEW DELHI: Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba today left on a four-day visit to Myanmar during which he will hold talks with the top defence authorities there and seek to deepen bilateral military ties.

During his official visit beginning tomorrow, Admiral Lanba will hold bilateral discussions with U Myint Swe, First Vice President, Vice Senior General Soe Win, Deputy Commander-in-Chief (Defence Forces) and Commander-in-Chief, Myanmar Army and Admiral Tin Aung San, Commander-in-Chief, Myanmar Navy.

The Admiral will be addressing the students at the National Defence College and visit the Defence Services Academy, Naval Training Command and the indigenously built Myanmar Navy Frigate UMS Aung Zeya.

The visit of the Chief of Naval Staff will also coincide with the port call of Indian Naval ships of the 1st Training Squadron which are on a overseas deployment as part of training curriculum of Indian naval cadets.

Officers from the Myanmar Navy are also embarked on the Indian naval ships for the first time as part of the international training exchange programme.

The two navies cooperate with each other in terms of training and operational interactions.

India has been partnering the capacity building of the Myanmar Navy through assistance in military hardware and equipment.

A Damage Control Simulator built by Goa Shipyard Limited was commissioned on May 10 this year.

Myanmar Navy Ship UMS Aung Zeya, indigenously built by Myanmar having sensors which have been made by Bharat Electronics Limited, participated in International Fleet Review in Visakhapatnam this year.

The Admiral in addition to holding important bilateral discussions will also lay a wreath at the Martyrs' mausoleum and will also host reception for dignitaries from Myanmar onboard Indian Naval ships at Yangon.