In a landmark event signifying the growing partnership between India and Namibia, Indian Naval Ship (INS) Tushil made a historic visit to Walvis Bay, Namibia, following its successful patrol of the Gulf of Guinea. This visit marks the first time an Indian naval vessel has traversed the west coast of Africa, underscoring India's commitment to maritime security and cooperation in the region.
INS Tushil, a state-of-the-art stealth guided missile frigate, was recently commissioned into the Indian Navy in Kaliningrad, Russia. It is the seventh multirole frigate in the Project 1135.6 class, showcasing advanced capabilities in air, surface, underwater, and electromagnetic warfare.
The visit to Namibia provided a platform for strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing maritime cooperation between the two nations. Captain Peter Varghese, Commanding Officer of INS Tushil, met with Ms Saara Ndapewoshali Mutondoka, Deputy Mayor of Walvis Bay city, and Rear Admiral Junior Grade Eratus Lazarus, Commander Naval Operations of the Namibian Navy, to discuss collaborative efforts in addressing shared maritime challenges.
The visit also featured a range of professional and social interactions between the Indian and Namibian navies. These included operational planning discussions, cross-visits to respective ships, and expert exchanges on various naval subjects. Furthering the camaraderie, the crew of INS Tushil engaged in a friendly volleyball match and a joint yoga session with Namibian naval and police personnel, along with staff from the Indian High Commission in Namibia.
To foster goodwill with the local community, INS Tushil opened its doors to residents of Walvis Bay, offering them a firsthand look at the advanced capabilities of the Indian warship. This initiative aimed to strengthen people-to-people ties and promote understanding of India's naval prowess.
The successful visit of INS Tushil to Walvis Bay highlights the growing maritime partnership between India and Namibia and reinforces India's dedication to promoting peace, stability, and cooperation in the region.
