London:
The INS Tushil, the newest multi-role stealth-guided missile london-on-its-first-operational-voyage/” title=”Historic Arrival: INS Tushil Makes Waves in London on Its First Operational Voyage!”>frigate of the Indian Navy, has arrived in London as part of its inaugural operational mission.
On Sunday, Commodore Robert Bellfield, Commander of the Royal Navy for London and Eastern England, officially welcomed the Indian warship on behalf of the UK government. Captain Peter Varghese, who commands the ship, was present to greet him.
“It is a privilege to receive INS Tushil in London during her first international journey. This event signifies the strong bond between our two navies and our nations as we share common interests,” remarked Bellfield.
Sujit Ghosh, India’s Deputy High Commissioner to the UK, also toured the vessel docked along the River Thames ahead of its departure scheduled for Monday evening.
#INSTushil India’s advanced guided-missile stealth frigate reached #London on #21Dec 24 during her initial journey back to #India. This visit marks an important step in enhancing naval collaboration between #IndianNavy & @RoyalNavy.
The purpose is to reinforce bilateral relations and… https://t.co/4ROjrRT8pn pic.twitter.com/g0AdSIvlH6
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) December 23, 2024
This ship was constructed in Russia and formally commissioned on December 9 with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh present at the ceremony. It set sail from Kaliningrad on December 17.
According to a statement from India’s Ministry of Defence, INS Tushil will navigate through significant water bodies including the Baltic Sea, North Sea, Atlantic Ocean, eventually reaching the Indian Ocean while making stops at several allied nations along its route.
“INS Tushil’s first deployment will encompass essential roles such as diplomacy and military engagement alongside law enforcement practices,” noted ministry officials. Throughout this journey, it intends to execute joint patrols and maritime cooperation exercises with various navies through regions prone to piracy.”
The frigate will participate in capability-building initiatives during its port stays with local navies while engaging in discussions with military leaders and government officials. These visits are also designed to connect with India’s diaspora living abroad.
The Ministry underscored that these maneuvers undertaken by INS Tushil aim not only at fortifying India’s maritime partnerships with neighboring countries but also reaffirming its commitment towards ensuring safety for vessels operating within these waters worldwide.
(This piece was published directly without any amendments made by NDTV staff.)
