Indian Naval Ship INS Sharda augments maritime ties with Madagascar during port visit

Indian Navy Ship (INS) Sharda has me a port call to Port Antsiranana, Magascar, from November 17 to 23, as part of its ongoing operational deployment.

"INS Sharda is on a four-day visit to Port Antsiranana, Magascar, aimed at strengning Bridges of Friendship and Indian Navy's sustained efforts towards ensuring Maritime Security in region by partnering with regional navies, in line with Prime Minister's vision of SAGAR," Navy stated.

#INSSharda on a 4 day visit to Port Antsiranana, Magascar.
Aimed at strengning 🇮🇳-🇲🇬 #BridgesofFriendship & #IndianNavy's sustained efforts towards ensuring #MaritimeSecurity in region by partnering with regional navies in line with Hon'ble @PMOIndia's vision of #SAGAR. pic.twitter.com/ImKOYBY0Dg

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy)

visit, aimed at fortifying bonds of friendship, underscores Indian Navy's continuous efforts in ensuring maritime security in region. This effort aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of ‘Security and Growth for All in Region’ (SAGAR), as per an official release.

Upon arrival, Commanding Officer of INS Sharda initiated discussions with key dignitaries, including Governor of Diana region of Magascar, Arona Daodo Marisiky, and Commander of Malagasy Naval Base in Antsiranana, Captain Raorasata Dibiharivony Gislain.

ship will participate in various professional interactions and training exchanges with Malagasy Navy during visit, stated official release, underlining collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing maritime capabilities. In recent diplomatic engagements, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar engaged in bilateral discussions with his counterpart from Magascar, Yvette Sylla, during sidelines of 78th United Nations General Assembly session in New York City.

 "A warm meeting with our SAGAR partner, FM of Magascar, Yvette Sylla today. Discussed development partnership, millets and rice production, digital delivery and defence cooperation," EAM Jaishankar conveyed via his official handle, highlighting multifaceted nature of discussions encompassing developmental, agricultural, technological, and defence cooperation.

 Magascar, a key SAGAR partner of India, has been an integral part of Mission SAGAR since its inception in 2020. mission, akin to Sagar doctrine, was initiated to provide relief aid to Indian Ocean countries in wake of COVID-19 pandemic. It encompasses collaborative efforts with nations including Maldives, Mauritius, Magascar, Comoros, and Seychelles.