INS Sumedha Visits Lagos, Nigeria to Enhance Maritime Cooperation

Updated: 17 Oct 2023

2 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 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 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.