London:
INS Tushil, the Indian Navy’s newest multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate, made its inaugural stop in London as part of its first operational deployment. This significant occasion marks a pivotal step in naval cooperation between India and the UK.
Commodore Robert Bellfield, who leads the Royal Navy for London and Eastern England, officially welcomed the warship on behalf of the UK government on Sunday. He was greeted by Captain Peter Varghese, who commands INS Tushil.
“It is a privilege to greet INS Tushil in London during her initial overseas journey. This event symbolizes our strong bond with the Indian Navy as well as our mutual interests,” said Commodore Bellfield.
Sujit Ghosh, India’s Deputy High Commissioner to the UK, also visited it along the River Thames before its departure scheduled for Monday evening.
#INSTushil has arrived in #London on #21Dec 24 as she embarks on her maiden voyage back to #India. This visit represents an important milestone towards enhanced naval collaboration between @IndianNavy & @RoyalNavy.
The trip aims to strengthen bilateral ties and… https://t.co/4ROjrRT8pn pic.twitter.com/g0AdSIvlH6
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) December 23, 2024
The frigate was constructed in Russia and commissioned into service on December 9 during a ceremony that included Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. It embarked from Kaliningrad shortly after, setting sail on December 17.
A statement from India’s Ministry of Defence outlined that during this deployment, INS Tushil will navigate through major waterways including the Baltic Sea, North Sea, Atlantic Ocean, culminating with operations in the Indian Ocean while making several calls at allied nations along its route.
“This debut mission for INS Tushil embodies vital components of Indian Navy operations—diplomatic outreach alongside military engagement and law enforcement duties at london/” title=”Enigma cipher machine goes on display in London”>sea. The vessel will participate in joint patrols and maritime exercises with friendly forces en route; it is set to operate around areas known for piracy,” stated officials from the ministry.
While docked at different ports throughout its journey, advances will be made by engaging local navies through training activities and discussions with high-ranking military officials as well as governmental representatives. The ship’s stops also provide an opportunity to connect with members of India’s diaspora residing nearby.”
The Ministry reiterated that these port visits coupled with collaborative exercises are designed not only to bolster maritime relations with neighboring coastal countries but also to reaffirm India’s dedication toward safeguarding international shipping lanes and enhancing safety for seafaring communities worldwide.
