Article Posted on : - Nov 02, 2015

Indian Naval Ship Sahyadri

NEW DELHI (PTI): Indian Naval Ship Sahyadri, which is currently on operational deployment to South China Sea and North West Pacific region in pursuance of India's 'Act East' policy, Sunday entered Manila, the capital of the Philippines.

'INS Sahyadri' is likely to be in Manila till November 4 for extensive interactions with the Philippine Navy, an official release said.

The visit of 'INS Sahyadri' is aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing interoperability between navies of the two countries, it said.

During the stay in the harbour, various activities aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two navies are planned including official calls on local naval and civilian dignitaries, reception on board the ship, the release said.

Visits to the ship by the local people, guided tours for Indian Naval personnel and professional interaction between personnel of both the navies, are among the other activities planned during this period, it said.

Bilateral relations between India and the Philippines, based on shared values of anti-colonialism, strong democratic polity and South-South Cooperation have been growing significantly in the recent past, spurred by both economic as well as security engagements.

Regular foreign policy consultations and security dialogue meetings have provided impetus to the bilateral relationship, it added.

'INS Sahyadri' is an indigenously built warship of the Shivalik Class. Inducted into the Indian Navy on July 2012, the multi-role stealth frigate, boasts of an impressive array of weaponry in her arsenal.

Long-range anti-ship missiles, medium and short-range surface-to-air missiles augmented by powerful guns of different calibres provide a formidable shield against all types of surface and air threats.

The capability to carry two integral multi-role helicopters significantly enhances the potency of this ship.

On departure, the ship is planned to exercise with the Philippine Navy ships for improving interoperability in communication as well as search and rescue procedures, the release said.