Operational deployment to South China Sea: India's warship INS Sahyadri on a visit to Da Nang

NEW DELHI: Indian Navy's INS Sahyadri is on a four day visit to Da Nang, as part of operational deployment to South China Sea and North West Pacific region. This is in pursuance of India's 'Look East' and 'Act East' policy, says a release from the Indian Navy.

The visit of INS Sahyadri is aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing inter-operational abilities between navies of India and Vietnam. Indian warships had last visited Hai Phong, Vietnam in August 2014.



In pic: INS Sahyadri entering Da Nang

INS Sahyadri is an indigenously built warship of the Shivalik Class and was inducted into the Indian Navy in 2012. According to the Navy, the multi-role stealth frigate, boasts of an impressive array of weaponry in her arsenal. "Long range anti-ship missiles, medium and short range surface to air missiles augmented by powerful guns of different calibers provide a formidable shield against all types of surface and air threats. The capability to carry two integral multi-role helicopters significantly enhances the potency of this ship," says the Navy.

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During the stay in harbour, various activities aimed at enhancing cooperation and interaction between the two navies are planned. These include official calls and interaction with dignitaries of the Vietnamese government and the Vietnamese Peoples' Navy (VPN), reception onboard INS Sahyadri, onboard visits by local populace, guided tours for Indian naval personnel and professional interaction between personnel of both the navies. On departure, the ship is planned to exercise with Vietnamese Naval ships for improving interoperability in communication as well as Search and Rescue procedures.




File photo of INS Sahyadri

On departure from Da Nang, the ship will proceed to participate in the International Fleet Review at Sagami Bay in Japan.

India and Vietnam have cultural and economic links dating back to the 2nd Century A.D, which were facilitated by maritime trade. In modern times, support during struggle for liberation from foreign rule and subsequent political and cultural exchanges have strengthened this historic relationship. In order to expand this to the security domain, a 'Security Dialogue' was instituted in 2003. India and Vietnam signed a Joint Declaration on the 'Establishment of a Strategic Partnership' in 2007 as well as a 'MoU on Defence Cooperation' in 2009. These have laid the foundation for strengthening maritime cooperation between the two countries.