Oct 17: INS Sumedha made a port call at Lagos, Nigeria on 13 October 2023 as part of its deployment to the Gulf of Guinea. The visit was aimed to further strengthen diplomatic relations, reinforce maritime cooperation, and boost interoperability between the two navies. Various activities including professional interactions, planning conferences in the harbour and exercises at sea are scheduled for the exchange of best practices.
In addition to social engagements and sports fixtures, the ship conducted a Medical Camp along with Nigerian Navy doctors for the local populace. Sumedha will also be undertaking a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with NNS Unity, with the aim of augmenting interoperability between both navies.
This is the Indian Navy’s second deployment to the piracy-prone Gulf of Guinea (GoG)patrol after the maiden GoG patrol was undertaken by INS Tarkash on Oct 22. The Indian Navy aims to partner with Regional countries in combating piracy & ensuring secure seas for unimpeded trade.
INS Sumedha, commanded by Cdr MC Chandeep, is the third of the indigenously designed and manufactured ‘Saryu’ Class Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV). The ship has the capability to be deployed for multiple roles independently and in support of Fleet Operations. It is equipped with weapon systems, sensors, state-of-the-art navigation, communication systems and Electronic Warfare suites. INS Sumedha has undertaken various Fleet support operations, coastal and offshore patrolling, ocean surveillance and HADR missions in the past, including the recently conducted Op Kaveri for evacuation of the Indian diaspora from war-hit Sudan on April 23.
Nigeria and India have traditionally enjoyed warm and friendly relations, sharing common values of democracy, development and secularism. A number of bilateral arrangements for defence cooperation and cultural exchange exist between the two countries. The deployment also highlights the warm and cordial relations of India with West African countries.
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