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

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

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

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

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) November 19, 2023

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

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

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

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

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