The Indian Navy’s warship, INS Sunayna, concluded its visit to Port Louis, Mauritius, on June 22, after a two-day stay, which was filled with a range of activities aimed at promoting cooperation and understanding between the two nations. The ship’s visit was marked by a “Joint Yoga Session” on the occasion of the International Day of Yoga, which saw participation from Indian Navy and Mauritius National Coast Guard personnel. This symbolic event emphasized the strong bond between the two nations and their commitment to promoting maritime security.
During the visit, Commander Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, the Commanding Officer of INS Sunayna, called on Indian High Commissioner Nandini Singla and Commissioner of Police Anil Kumar Dip, highlighting operational engagement and confidence-building measures on various aspects of maritime security. The interactions were significant in deepening ties between the two nations and fostering a spirit of cooperation.
The visit also featured a friendly volleyball match between the ship’s crew and Mauritius National Coast Guard personnel, which added a playful touch to the naval diplomacy. In a gesture of goodwill, the ship’s crew participated in an outreach programme at Gayasingh Ashram, where they undertook medical screening of elderly residents and distributed provisions to the community. The event served as a reminder of the Indian Navy’s commitment to extending a helping hand to those in need.
INS Sunayna was also open to visitors, with over 200 guests boarding the ship to learn more about its capabilities and operations. As the ship prepared to set sail for its next phase of joint EEZ surveillance of Mauritius, it was joined by sea riders from the Mauritius National Coast Guard, who goed on the ship for training exchanges. The collaboration was seen as a significant step towards strengthening maritime security and building capacity among regional forces.
The visit of INS Sunayna to Port Louis underscores the strong ties between India and Mauritius, and the mutual commitment to promoting cooperation and security in the Indian Ocean region. The exchange of goodwill gestures and operational engagement through joint EEZ surveillance is expected to continue, fostering a climate of trust and cooperation between the two nations.