Indian navy ships dock in Tanzania

What you need to know:

During the visit, the Indian navy officers will interact with the TPDF on professional on issues towards enhancing cooperation and sharing nuances of naval operations including combating threats of maritime terrorism and piracy in the Indian Ocean.

Dar es Salaam. Four Indian Naval ships have docked at Dar es Salaam Port today October 14, as the two countries seek to further enhance bilateral ties and to promote maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region. 

The four ships include; Shardul, Sujatha, Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi and Indian Naval Ships Tir, the ships are expected to visit Zanzibar’s Port from October 15-17.

The ships are part of the Indian Navy’s Southern Command based at Kochi--carrying onboard some navy officers who will undertake training during the visit.

After arriving at the Port on Monday morning, the ships were welcomed by the Tanzania Peoples Defence Forces (TPDF) officers and later in the afternoon, the ships were open to the general public for onboard visits.

During the visit, the Indian Navy will interact with the TPDF on professional issues towards enhancing co-operation and sharing nuances of naval operations including combating threats of maritime terrorism and piracy in the Indian Ocean.

TPDF’s spokesperson Colonel Ramadhan Dogoli said, “We are determined to continue strengthening our military ties with India and make sure that our territories in the Indian Ocean remain safe and peaceful.”

He added: “Apart from India, other navy forces from different countries usually come to Tanzania for the similar purpose.”

At the same occasion, the Indian navy’s Captain Varun Singh who doubles as Marine Commando raised optimism, saying that through such regular joint training, both countries will be on the safe side to combat the maritime threats such as maritime inter-state disputes and terrorism in particular.

“We are both operating in the Indian Ocean, so together we will be able to fight against the criminal activities taking place in the sea,” said Mr Singh.

India and Tanzania have historical trade links. Even today, the bilateral relations between the two countries are multifaceted and encompass economic, defence, political and people to people exchanges.

With maritime security being a key concern to both countries, the two navies have been maintaining strong relations over the last several decades.