INS TALWAR’S VISIT TO MOMBASA, KENYA

Strengthening India’s growing ties with East Africa in accordance with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Vision of SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region, INS Talwar made a port call at Mombasa, Kenya, from 22 to 25 September 2024.

To bolster interoperability and enhance cooperation, personnel from the Indian Navy and Kenyan Navy engaged in a wide range of professional interactions and cross-exchange visits during the harbour phase. The Commanding Officer of INS Talwar called on Brig JS Kiswaa, Deputy Commander of the Kenya Navy, at Mtongwe Naval Base. Discussions during the interaction focused on the continued impetus on professional interactions and training support between the two navies. Professional exchanges, including Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) and Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence (NBCD) demonstrations, were held between personnel from both navies onboard INS Talwar. Further, personnel from both navies bonded during Yoga and Sports fixtures. Crew of INS Talwar visited an Orphanage as part of an outreach programme.

The Command team of KNS Shujaa visited INS Talwar to familiarise themselves with and finalise the exercise programme for the Exclusive Economic Zone(EEZ) Surveillance and Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX). Upon departure, the ship participated in Joint EEZ Surveillance and MPX with KNS Shujaa. Both ships demonstrated a high level of professional competence. INS Talwar’s port visit and interactions with the Indian Navy and Kenyan Navy underline the collaborative efforts of both nations towards realising the deliverables envisaged in the Joint Vision Statement ‘BAHARI’ released in December 2023.