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INS Sumedha Visits Lagos, Nigeria to Enhance Maritime Cooperation

Utkarsh Classes Last Updated 07-02-2025
INS Sumedha Visits Lagos, Nigeria to Enhance Maritime Cooperation Defence 4 min read

INS Sumedha made a port call at Lagos, Nigeria on 13 October 2023 as a part of her deployment to the Gulf of Guinea (GOG).

What is a port call?

  • Port call refers to a port used by a cargo or passenger (cruise) ship for loading and unloading of goods and passengers. Such ports are also used for supplying fuel to ships.

Purpose of visit:

  • The objective of the visit was to further strengthen diplomatic relations, maritime cooperation and interoperability between the navies of India and Nigeria.
  • Various activities have been scheduled including professional discussions, planning conferences in port and exercises at sea to exchange best practices.
  • In addition to social activities and sporting events, the ship conducted a medical camp with Nigerian Navy doctors for the local population.
  • Indian Naval Ship Sumedha will also undertake Maritime Partnership Exercise with Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Unity with a view to enhance interoperability between the two navies.
  • This is the second deployment of the Indian Navy in anti-piracy GOG patrol after the first patrol of the Gulf of Guinea (GOG) by INS Tarkash on 22 October.
  • The Indian Navy aims to partner with regional countries to combat piracy and ensure uninterrupted trade security.

INS Sumedha:

  • INS Sumedha is the third ship of the indigenously designed and built 'Saryu' class Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV).
  • The ship has the capability to operate in multiple roles both independently and in support of fleet operations.
  • It is equipped with weapon systems, sensors, state-of-the-art navigation, communication systems and electronic warfare suites.
  • INS Sumedha has in the past undertaken various fleet support operations, coastal and offshore patrolling, ocean surveillance and missions for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
  • These include the recently conducted Operation Kaveri to evacuate Indian migrants from war-torn Sudan on 23 April 2023.

India and Nigeria relations:

  • India and Nigeria have traditionally enjoyed warm and friendly relations, sharing shared values of democracy, development and secularism.
  • Several bilateral arrangements exist between the two countries for defense cooperation and cultural exchange.
  • This deployment of INS Sumedha also highlights India's warm and cordial relations with West African countries.

Nigeria:

  • Capital: Abuja
  • Currency: Nigerian Naira
  • President: Muhammadu Buhari
  • Prime Minister: Bola Tinubu.

FAQ

West Africa

INS Sumedha
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