Article Posted on : - Apr 07, 2011

INS Airavat is also sent to Bangladesh to participate in the raising day function and for public viewing. A file photo.

NEW DELHI (PTI): Aiming to enhance defence ties with Bangladesh, Navy chief Admiral Nirmal Verma is on a five-day visit to the neighbouring country where he will attend the raising day ceremony of their young navy.

"The Navy chief will meet Bangladesh President, Prime Minister and senior military officers during his visit. He will also visit major ports there," navy officials said here Wednesday.

The visit is part of India's naval diplomacy in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Besides attending ceremonies at Bangladesh's biggest port at Chittagong, Verma will visit Mongla and Khulna ports, they said.

This is the seventh raising day of Bangladesh's navy which came into being in 2004 after India gave them two of its naval vessels.

India and Bangladesh have shared a healthy defence relationship in last few years as steps have been taken by the two sides to improve military ties.

Ahead of the Navy chief visit, a naval tanker INS Airavat was also sent to Bangladesh to participate in the raising day function and for public viewing.

The ship will showcase its capabilities in disaster management and relief operations during cyclones and other natural calamities.

"Bangladesh has been a victim of cyclones in its coastal areas. We are also looking forward to strengthen ties by offering them our assistance in disaster management," the officials said.