Indian warships in Israel on crucial voyage

EILAT (South Israel), MARCH 27. Marking growing defence ties between Israel and India three Indians warships and about 1,400 officers and sailors arrived on this port on Sunday as guests of the Israeli navy and the Ministry of Defence.

The goodwill visit of INS Shakti (tanker), INS Gomit (missile frigate) and INS Ranvir (destroyer) is expected to boost military cooperation.

The vessels are under the overall command of Rear Admiral, Suresh Mehta, Flag Officer commanding the Western Fleet.

Capt. Randhir Singh, Capt. U. N. Chitnavis and Capt. D. K. Joshi, Commanding Officers of INS Shakti, INS Gomti and INS Ranvir, led their ships on the voyage which started last week and also took them to Egypt.

Vice Admiral Madhvendra Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, is also among the senior Naval officials visiting Israel.

High ranking Naval officials would hold talks with senior Israeli defence officers during their two-day stay, Embassy officials said.

The voyage is believed to be of crucial significance, thanks to increasing defence cooperation in recent years.

The last visit by Indian warships to Israel was in 1995 but received little attention here in the wake of the murder of the then Prime Minister, Mr. Yitzhak Rabin.

- PTI

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Section  : International
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