Indian Naval Ship Sumedha Completes Mission in Maputo, Mozambique

As part of the ongoing Extended Operational Deployment in Africa, Indian Naval Ship Sumedha successfully concluded its visit to Maputo, Mozambique, on 21st November 2023. The port call aimed to fortify longstanding diplomatic ties, enhance maritime cooperation, and bolster interoperability between the Indian and Mozambican navies. Scheduled activities during the visit from 23rd to 25th November 2023 encompassed professional interactions, cross-deck visits, planning conferences, and joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance.

The port call featured Courtesy Calls by the Commanding Officer on various dignitaries and government officials of Mozambique, including the Navy Commandant of the Mozambique Navy and the Mayor of Maputo City.

Mozambique and India share a history of warm and amicable bilateral relations, grounded in common values of democracy, development, and secularism. Both nations have sustained regular high-level exchanges across multiple domains. Additionally, bilateral Defence Cooperation has progressed through frequent Joint Defence Working Group (JDWG) meetings. The Indian Navy consistently deploys naval ships abroad, aligning with its mission to construct ‘bridges of friendship’ and strengthen international collaboration with amicable nations.

INS Sumedha operates within the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet, stationed at Visakhapatnam, functioning under the operational command of the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command. The vessel is equipped with an array of weapon systems, sensors, state-of-the-art navigation, communication systems, and Electronic Warfare suits. Sumedha has a notable history of undertaking diverse operations, including Fleet support, coastal and offshore patrolling, ocean surveillance, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions.