The frigate “Navarra” carries out operations with Indian Navy vessels

During a stopover in Port Victoria (Seychelles), the frigate “Navarra”, part of the European Union (EU) Operation Atalanta, carried out various joint activities with three ships belonging to the Indian Navy's First Training Squadron: “INS Tir”, “INS Shardul” and “ICGS Sarathi”.

The Force Commander of Operation Atalanta, Rear Admiral Javier Vázquez, accompanied by the captain of the Navarra, Captain Valentín Calvar, visited the Commander of the Indian Naval Group, Captain Tijo K. Joseph. This meeting served to underline Operation Atalanta's willingness to strengthen cooperation with the Indian Navy, with which it shares strategic objectives in the Western Indian Ocean.

In addition, Indian Navy cadets attended a conference on Operation Atalanta, where they learned about its structure, mission and objectives. Finally, a delegation of Indian Navy cadets visited the frigate “Navarra” to learn about its systems and capabilities, including the SH60B helicopter and the Scan Eagle drone, which are essential for fulfilling its mission in the fight against piracy in the Indian Ocean.

According to the Spanish Ministry of Defence's Defence Staff, collaboration activities with naval forces operating in the region are one of Operation Atalanta's most valuable assets. Rear Admiral Javier Vázquez pointed out that these activities in particular ‘have been a valuable step towards building closer ties with the Indian Navy, which is increasingly comfortable with Atalanta and has confidence in the mission and in the way we approach our presence in the western Indian Ocean’.

Operational and diplomatic activities in Mumbai

Meanwhile, the frigate “Méndez Núñez” recently docked in the port of Mumbai, where it carried out operational and defence diplomacy activities with civil and military authorities, as well as with the Spanish community in the country.

The Spanish ship participated in a training day with the frigate INS “Teg” and, once in port, was received by local authorities and representatives of the Indian Navy. An official reception was also held on the flight deck, bringing together Indian Navy officers, diplomatic representatives and members of the Spanish community residing in the city of Mumbai.

In addition, a cross-visit was made to the host ship, the destroyer INS “Kochi”, where Spanish sailors were able to share their experiences at sea with their Indian counterparts.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Read the news about the 'Navarra' on the Defence Staff website

Read the news about the 'Méndez Núñez' on the Defence Staff website