WINDHOEK, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Indian Navy ship, INS Tarkash, will make a port call at Namibia's Walvis Bay from June 15-18, according to India's High Commission in Namibia.
The High Commission on Tuesday announced that during the visit, the Commanding Officer of the ship is expected to pay courtesy calls on the local leaders including senior defence officers of Namibia to discuss bilateral cooperation.
"The officers and sailors of the Indian warship will also have interaction with the Namibian Navy, including friendly basketball and volleyball matches which would go a long way in enhancing cooperation and understanding between the two navies," the commission added.
The INS Tarkash is a part of the Western Fleet of Indian Navy, which is based in Mumbai under the Western Naval Command, and is currently on a two-month overseas deployment in the Atlantic Ocean and the Western Indian Ocean.
The ship carries cutting-edge weaponry which includes Supersonic Anti-ship missiles, advanced Surface-to-Air missiles, 100 mm Medium Range Gun, Close-in Weapon System, Anti-Submarine and Anti-Ship Torpedoes and Rocket Launchers. The INS Tarkash has total 30 officers and 250 sailors on-board.
According to the commission, the port call is a demonstration of India's warm ties with Namibia and its commitment to the maritime security in the region and its solidarity with friendly countries. The ship will also be open for visit by Namibian public from morning to noon on June 17.
Meanwhile, before its trip to Namibia, INS Tarkash made port calls in United Kingdom, Portugal, Morocco, Nigeria and Angola.
