The Visit of the Indian Navy Ship (INS) SUMEDHA to Nigeria on Friday was aimed at Bolstering existing Bilateral Relations and Enhancing Security in the Gulf of Guinea, a key Region for Maritime Operations.
Rear Adm. Mustapha Hassan, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, emphasized the Significance of such Visits in Fostering friendship, cooperation, and Interoperability between India and Nigeria.
He welcomed the Crew of INS SUMEDHA to the Western Naval Command Headquarters in Apapa, Lagos State.
According to Hassan, the Collaboration between the Nigerian Navy and the Indian Navy has a rich history spanning over five decades, marked by training support, Hardware exchanges, port visits, and joint exercises.
He highlighted the Importance of such Partnerships in strengthening National Security, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea.
Hassan disclosed that a Joint exercise called Passex would be conducted, further solidifying Security efforts in the Gulf of Guinea.
Col. Romi Singh Legha, the Indian Defense Attachè to Nigeria, also emphasized the Importance of Increasing Interoperability between the two Navies and Improving Anti-piracy Operations.
He commended the Nigerian Navy’s role in Combating Piracy and noted that the INS SUMEDHA’s presence would further support these Crucial Operations.
Legha highlighted plans for Cross-deck Visitations between the two Nations’ ships, enabling Officers to Conduct training onboard and Foster a deeper understanding of each other’s Naval Operations.
Additionally, a joint exercise Involving Nigerian Navy vessels and the INS SUMEDHA was planned during the Visit, further Cementing the Collaboration between the two Nations.
