London:
The INS Tushil, a state-of-the-art multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate of the Indian Navy, has arrived in London as part of its inaugural operational journey.
On Sunday, Commodore Robert Bellfield, Commander of the Royal Navy for London and Eastern England, formally welcomed the Indian warship on behalf of the United Kingdom. He was greeted by Captain Peter Varghese, who commands the vessel.
“It is a privilege to greet INS Tushil in London during its first international voyage. This event highlights the strong rapport between both our navies and symbolizes our mutual interests,” expressed Commodore Bellfield.
India’s Deputy High Commissioner to the UK, Sujit Ghosh also visited the frigate moored along the River Thames prior to its departure scheduled for Monday evening.
#INSTushil India’s newest guided missile stealth frigate reached #London on #21Dec 24 during her initial journey back to #India. This visit marks a pivotal moment in enhancing naval collaboration between the #IndianNavy & @RoyalNavy.
The objective is to enhance bilateral relations and… https://t.co/4ROjrRT8pn pic.twitter.com/g0AdSIvlH6
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) December 23, 2024
The vessel was constructed in Russia and commissioned on December 9 with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh officiating at its launch ceremony; it departed from Kaliningrad on December 17.
A statement from India’s Ministry of Defence indicates that INS Tushil will navigate through several bodies of water including the Baltic Sea, North Sea, Atlantic Ocean, concluding her journey in the Indian Ocean while making stops at numerous allied nations en route.
“The inaugural mission of INS Tushil entails fulfilling key responsibilities of maritime diplomacy as well as military operations,” revealed ministry officials. The ship is set to engage in joint patrols and collaborative exercises with various navies along its path specifically focussing on regions prone to piracy threats.”
During shore visits at various ports, INS Tushil plans to conduct capacity-building initiatives with london-on-its-first-deployment/” title=”INS Tushil: India’s Daring Warship Makes Waves in London on Its First Deployment!”>local navies as well as meetings with high-ranking military officials and government representatives. These port visits also aim at fostering connections with members of the Indian community residing across these regions.
The Ministry further emphasized that these port calls along with associated exercises are intended to fortify India’s maritime alliances within neighboring countries while reinforcing commitment towards safeguarding maritime interests.
(This article has been drafted autonomously based on information received from syndicated sources.)
