Iranian flotilla makes port call in India with 'friendship message'
The Iranian Navy’s 100th flotilla of warships has docked at Mumbai Port on the western coast of India as the Islamic Republic is expanding its naval presence in international waters.
The flotilla, comprised of Bushehr replenishment ship and Lavan landing ship, arrived at the port on Thursday and was welcomed by officials from the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Mumbai as well as Indian naval commanders.
The training voyage reportedly aims to convey the message of peace and friendship to the countries along the Indian Ocean, the Sea of Oman and the Persian Gulf; and is meant to educate and transfer expertise to the cadets of Imam Khomeini Naval University of Noshahr in northern Iran.
During their stay at Mumbai Port, Iranian naval officials are scheduled to hold high-level meetings with their Indian counterparts, visit educational, cultural and historical centers, and participate in friendly sports contests.
Top Indian cmdr.: Iran powerful country in fight against pirates
Rear Admiral Vidyadhar Harke, Chief Staff Officer (Operations) at Headquarters of India’s Western Naval Command, welcomed the docking of Iranian vessels at Indian ports as a step toward further enhancement of relations between the two nations.
“Iran is a powerful country in the fight against piracy, and has managed to ensure the security of merchant vessels in the Gulf of Aden.
“I hope the presence of your cadets will provide a basis for bilateral cooperation in educational fields and holding joint exercises,” he stated.
The top Indian commander made the remarks in a meeting with the commanding officer of the Iranian flotilla, First Captain Mohammad Saberi.
Saberi, for his part, expressed hope that relations and interactions between Indian and Iranian navies would further expand in all spheres, such as holding joint exercises, exchange of cadets, and visits to the ports of the two countries.
In recent years, Iran’s Navy has increased its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and tankers.
In line with international efforts against piracy, the Iranian Navy has been conducting patrols in the Gulf of Aden since November 2008, safeguarding merchant containers and oil tankers owned or leased by Iran or other countries.
Iran’s Navy has managed to foil several attacks on both Iranian and foreign tankers during its missions in international waters.
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