INS Sumedha Visits Lagos, Nigeria to Enhance Maritime Cooperation

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.