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INS Sumitra's visit to Fiji

Posted on: October 26, 2016 | Back | Print

Big Thank you to Govt of Fiji for welcoming and giving great support fot INS Sumitra's visit to Fiji !!!

Indian Prime Minister Mr.NarendraModi announced in the 2nd Summit of Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) held at Jaipur, India in August 2015 that Indian Naval Ships (INS) will make goodwill visits to Pacific Island Countries. Indian Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessel 'Sumitra' visited Suva (Fiji) on 26-29 October 2016.

INS Sumitra, is the fourth of the Saryu class ships, based on an indigenous design and constructed by M/s Goa Shipyard Ltd, India. Since commissioning in 2014, the ship has been deployed for multiple operational tasks, the most notable being ‘Operation Rahat’, which entailed the evacuation of personnel of various nationalities from war-torn Yemen in 2015. The ship has a range of 6,500 nautical miles and is capable of embarking one Dhruv/ Chetak helicopter.

During the stay in harbour, various activities were planned towards enhancing cooperation and mutual understanding between the two Navies. These include official calls and interaction with dignitaries of the Fijian Government and the Fijian Navy, onboard visits by local populace, visits for Indian Navy personnel and professional interaction between personnel of both Navies.

INS Sumitra received grand welcome by Govt of Fiji, Ministry of Defence & RFMF band.

During the stay of INS Sumitra at Suva, the following activities were undertaken:

(i) High Commissioner handed over five tons of vegetable seeds (worth US$ 1.2mn) from to Minister of Agriculture, Government of the Republic of Fiji on 28 Oct 2016.

(ii) Indian Naval Band along with RFMF band jointly performed and played many melodious scores at RatuSukuna Park on 27 October 2016.

(iii) Volleyball match between INS Sumitra crew and RFMF team at Balling Club near Grand Pacific Hotel was held on 27 October 2016.

(iv) Medical camp by Indian and Fijian doctors for general health checkup at RatuSukuna Park on 27-28 October 2016. Hundreds of Fijians benefited from that.

(v) Thousands of Fijians visited ship on the Open day on 27 October 2016.

(vi) Indian Naval delegation along with HC laid wreath at war memorial

(vi) Joint exercise witn Fijian Navy

Min of health hosted a welcome dinner for the INS Sumitra officials. Thanks a lot !!

We also celebrated Diwali on board on 28 Oct 2016. Fijian PM, AG, Acting President, Min of Agri, Min of Health and many other dignitaries attended the reception.

The INS Sumitra’s visit strengthened bilateral ties and enhanced maritime security cooperation between the two countries.































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