INS KOCHI, the largest destroyer ship in the Indian Navy, with 8000 tons displacement, visited Safaga for a ‘Turn Around’ from 28-30 June 2022. INS KOCHI also participated in PASSEX and had close cooperation with the Egyptian Navy.
Ambassador of India, Ajit Gupte visited INS KOCHI to interact with the Fleet Commander and the crew. The visit of the ship was part of the ongoing intensified defense exchanges between India and Egypt.
Ever since the decline of COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a renewed thrust on bilateral exchanges between India and Egypt. A number of delegations from India have visited Egypt in the last year or so, aimed at giving impetus to multi-faceted bilateral relations. Cooperation in defence sector has emerged as one of the focus areas with an increasing number of bilateral engagements.
India and Egypt enjoy cordial defence relations and undertake various activities in the fields of training, joint exercises, ships & aircraft transits, defence exhibitions, etc. under the aegis of ‘Joint Defence Committee (JDC) to enhance their defence cooperation.
The first-ever India Air Force- Egyptian Air Force Joint Tactical Air Exercise, ‘Desert Warrior’ was held in late October 2021.
India’s Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari, visited Egypt from 28th November to 2nd December 2021. He attended the ‘Egypt Air Power Symposium’ and delivered a keynote address on 'Strategic Air Intelligence in confronting new and non-organized threats’. He also attended the Egyptian Defence Exposition’ (EDEX).
Ten Indian defence companies also participated in the 2nd edition of EDEX, held in Cairo in November/ December 2021, and showcased their state-of-art products.
An Indian Air Force contingent, including three Su-30MKI aircraft and two C-17 aircraft are presently in Egypt and are participating in the month-long ‘Tactical Leadership Program’ which began on 24th June 2022.
Some of the recent interactions between Indian and Egyptian Navies include a ‘Port Call’ and a joint exercise by India’s stealth frigate ‘INS TABAR’ on 27-28 June 2021 and 03-04 September 2021, in Alexandria.
On 04 May 2022, INS TIR, INS SUJATA, and CGS SARATHI, ships of ‘First Training Squadron’ of the Indian Navy participated in a ‘Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX)’ with Egyptian Naval ships in Safaga, INS TARANGINI, a sailing training ship of Indian Navy had made a port call in Alexandria from 17-20 May 2022 as part of LOKAYAN 22.
INS TARANGINI also interacted closely with the Egyptian Navy and held cross-training, culture, and sports events.
Ambassador Gupte had personally welcomed INS TABAR, INS TARANGINI, and INS KOCHI to interact with their Commanding Officers and crew.
Follow the latest news on Google News
