Indian ships head for Africa

24.08.2010 Task unit of Indian Navy's western fleet ships INS Mysore, Tabar, Ganga, and Aditya sailed off Mumbai heading for Africa, reports Press Trust of India referring to an official from Indian defense ministry.

During the 2-month long cruise Indian ships will hold joint exercises with navies and Coast Guards of such African countries as Tanzania, Kenya, Republic of South Africa, Seychelles, and Mauritius.

In Sept warships of Indian, Brazilian, and South African navies will conduct annual trilateral exercise IBSAMAR.

Also, the Indian ships will make port calls at various countries like South Africa and Mozambique.

The joint exercises are meant to promote friendly relations and practice interoperability between Indian Navy and other participating navies. Besides, the cruise will increase readiness of the Indian warships for long-term stay in high seas far away from home ports.

One month ago Indian Navy's eastern fleet ships started a 2-month cruise to Southeast Asia and Pacific Ocean, and visited ports of Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Brunei, and Australia.