During the stay in harbour, the harbour phase of the exercise progressed from 13 to 16 August. Several professional interactions, sharing of best practices and harbour drills were also conducted…reports Asian Lite News.
Indian Navy’s frontline frigate, INS Tabar arrived at Portsmouth harbour last week for a good will visit and to undertake the Annual Bilateral Exercise Konkan between the Indian Navy and Royal Navy.
On the occasion of India’s 75th Independence Day, the National Flag was unfurled at the Indian Navy frontline frigate docked at Portsmouth harbour.
This year’s edition annual bilateral naval exercise ‘Exercise Konkan’ commenced on 12 August when Indian Navy and Royal Navy met for exercises at sea, before Tabar entered Portsmouth harbour.
During the stay in harbour, the harbour phase of the exercise progressed from 13 to 16 August. Several professional interactions, sharing of best practices and harbour drills were also conducted.
The exercise will continue at sea till today, wherein Tabar will meet up with the frontline Royal Navy ship along with shore based aircraft, for air defence exercises, anti-submarine procedures, replenishment at sea activities, and communication drills at Sea.
A highlight of the exercise will be the cross deck helicopter operations, wherein helicopters will carry out landing procedures.
High Commissioner HE Gaitri Issar Kumar said: “The Indian Navy and Royal Navy share unique historical ties. They have been conducting the bilateral naval exercise, ‘Konkan’, every year since 2004. We have been looking forward to the goodwill visit of INS Tabar, a front-line frigate of the Indian Navy. Its joint exercises, along with HMS Westminster of the Royal Navy are aimed at enhancing interoperability, synergy and cooperation between both navies.”
“I welcome Captain Mahesh Mangipudi and all Ranks of INS Tabar. I have no doubt that their visit to Portsmouth, hosted by the Royal Navy will contribute to further strengthening the friendly contacts and cooperation between both Navies. I wish both INS Tabar and HMS Westminster a very successful engagement,” she added.
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