As a part of on-going long-range deployment to Africa, Indian naval ship Sumedha arrived at Port Lamu, Kenya on Saturday, Navy officials said here on Sunday adding the visit marks the maiden port call by any Indian naval ship at the recently developed Port in Kenya.
During the port call, personnel from both navies will engage in a wide range of professional interactions, deck visits and sporting exchanges, aimed at enhancing cooperation and exchanging best practices. A joint Yoga session, deck reception, medical camp and a Maritime Partnership Exercise have been planned as part of the visit.
INS Sumedha is the third of indigenously developed Saryu-class of Indian Navy. Commissioned on 07 March 2014, the ship is deployed for multiple roles independently and in support of fleet operations.
The ship is equipped with an array of weapons and sensors and can carry multi-role helicopters. It is part of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet based at Visakhapatnam and functions under the operational command of the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command.
Indian Naval ships are regularly deployed overseas as part of Indian Navy’s mission of building ‘bridges of friendship’ and strengthening international cooperation with friendly countries. The visit is in consonance with the Prime Minister’s vision of Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) and seeks to further Indo-African ties.
