INS Tushil Docks in London: Strengthening India-UK Naval Relations

London, UK: The INS Tushil, the Indian Navy’s latest state-of-the-art multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate, has made its inaugural visit to London as part of its first ⁣operational ⁤journey. This arrival marks an important chapter in enhancing maritime collaboration between India⁢ and the UK.

The warship was officially welcomed on Sunday by Commodore Robert Bellfield, Royal Navy Commander for London and Eastern England, who represented the UK government. He met with Captain Peter Varghese, the commanding officer of INS Tushil.

In a statement⁢ reflecting on this significant event, Bellfield remarked,⁢ “It’s a privilege ‍to greet INS Tushil in London for her debut overseas visit. This moment illustrates the strong ties between our navies as well as our countries ​and shared strategic interests.”

Sujit Ghosh, India’s Deputy High Commissioner to the UK visited INS Tushil as‍ it docked ‍along⁣ the River Thames prior to its scheduled departure on Monday evening.

#INSTushil is proudly‌ representing⁣ #India during her inaugural voyage after commissioning in #Kaliningrad on #December17. This ⁢visit signifies growing naval ‍collaboration with @RoyalNavy and aims at further strengthening bilateral relationships… https://t.co/4ROjrRT8pn pic.twitter.com/g0AdSIvlH6

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) December 23, 2024

The frigate​ was constructed in ​Russia and officially commissioned into service on December 9‌ during a ceremony attended by Defence ⁤Minister Rajnath Singh. After departing from Kaliningrad just days earlier on December 17th, it embarked upon an extensive journey.

A statement‍ from India’s Ministry ⁢of Defence highlighted that INS Tushil’s ambitious route will encompass navigating through significant maritime regions including the Baltic Sea, ‌North Sea, ​Atlantic Ocean before concluding its passage back⁢ to Indian waters via the Indian‌ Ocean where it ⁢plans ‍multiple port calls at friendly nations along its path.

A Mission of Diplomacy ​and Maritime Security

The⁤ maiden mission emphasizes pivotal roles mandated for modern naval operations including diplomacy and military engagements while addressing security concerns within various international waters like piracy-prone areas. The ship is set to participate in joint maritime exercises alongside numerous navies en route fostering collaborative security ‌frameworks.

• This deployment will focus on enhancing interoperability through capability enhancement programs with allied navies ⁢during port visits.
• It also aims at engaging with senior ⁤military officials and establishing connections that are crucial for regional‌ stability.
• The presence of INS Tushil is‌ expected to‌ resonate well ​within India’s diaspora across these territories.

Commitment Towards Maritime Cooperation

The Ministry noted that these port visits not only signify strengthened partnerships but also reinforce India’s dedication towards safeguarding maritime pathways vital‍ for commercial activities worldwide among littoral​ states.

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(This news piece was crafted independently; NDTV maintains no involvement beyond syndication.)