Three Indian naval ships to arrive in Kuwait Tuesday

KUWAIT: Three Indian naval ships will visit Kuwait from October 4 to October 7. The two indigenously-built ships of the Indian Navy, first training squadron INS TIR and INS Sujatha and indigenously-built Indian Coast Guard ship Sarathi are scheduled to arrive at the Shuwaikh Port on Tuesday. The goodwill visit of the naval ships is expected to strengthen the multifaceted friendly ties and growing cooperation between Kuwait and India.

During the stay, the crew members of the Indian naval ships are expected to hold interactions with the Kuwaiti naval force pertaining to nuances of maritime operations, including means of combating maritime terrorism and piracy. It may be recalled that the Indian Naval Ship INS TEG visited Kuwait in July this year. Indian naval ships have been deployed extensively in the region for numerous missions including for anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden. They have also been providing maritime security in the region.

In view of the huge response from the Indian community members for visit to the naval ships, the Indian Embassy has re-allotted the time slots for those who have registered with complete information.  In this regard, a confirmation email along with necessary instructions with re-allotted time slots has been sent to all the registered members, Indian Embassy said in a press release on Monday.

INS Tir (A86), meaning Arrow, is the first dedicated cadet’s training ship to be built by Mazagon Dock Limited, Mumbai and commissioned by the Indian Navy. She is the senior ship of the 1st Training Squadron of the Southern Naval Command. INS Tir was commissioned on 21 February 1986.Sensors on board Tir include Decca Radar and a SATNAV (Satellite Navigation) system. She can carry up to 293 people on board, though her typical deployment is with 20 instructors and staff and 120 cadets. INS Tir is named after HMIS Tir, a River-class frigate of the Royal Indian Navy, earlier transferred from the Royal Navy where she served in World War II as HMS Bann (K256).

INS Sujata, an indigenously built Offshore Patrol Vessel class of ship, was commissioned into the Indian Navy on November 3, 1993. The ship is designed to undertake fleet support operations, coastal and offshore patrolling, ocean surveillance, monitoring of Sea Lines of Communication and offshore assets and escort duties.

With an overall length of 102 meters, breadth of 11.5 meters and a full load displacement of 2,500 tons, the ship is capable of speed in excess of 25 knots. The ship has a complement of 21 officers and 166 sailors. INS Sujata has been modified for cadets training and is part of the 1st Training Squadron.

Indian Coast Guard Ship ‘Sarathi’ is the third in the series of six 105 meters offshore patrol vessels. ‘Sarathi’ meaning ‘charioteer’ is a projection of Indian Coast Guard’s will and commitment to serve and protect the maritime interests of the nation. The ship has been designed and built indigenously by Goa Shipyard Ltd and fitted with advanced navigation and communication equipment and sensors.

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