Mumbai: Mauritius delegation visit Indian Western Naval Command

By Rons Bantwal
Bellevision Media Network

Mumbai, 18 Dec 2015: A five member Mauritius delegation headed by Nayeen Koomar Ballah, Secretary of Home Affairs, Mauritius visited Western Naval Command, here from December 16 to December 17.

 

 

During the visit, the delegation interacted with Vice Admiral S P S Cheema, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command and held discussions of mutual interest between India and Mauritius. The delegation visited the Naval Dockyard and indigenously built guided missile destroyer INS Kolkata.

 

India and Mauritius share close historical and cultural ties. Defence co-operation between the two countries is gradually maturing into one of mutual trust and confidence. India is also assisting Mauritius in constructing a dedicated dockyard to cater for the large number of vessels being inducted into the Mauritius Coast Guard. Enhanced Naval cooperation between India and Mauritius provides geographical and strategic advantage in the Indian Ocean region. The partnership is essential in containing the expanding influence of maritime terrorism and piracy.

 

India and Mauritius have come a long way towards nurturing a strategic relationship. Indian Navy ships Deepak, Talwar and Mumbai visited Mauritius from October 31 to 3 November 2014 which coincided with Apravasi Divas celebrations held in the country on 2 November 2014. A reception was hosted onboard the fleet ships which was attended by the President and Prime Minister of Mauritius and Sushma Swaraj, minister of external affairs. In 2015, INS Sujata participated in the same event.