New Delhi (NVI): Indian Naval ships will make the first-ever visit to the historic port town of Mongla in Bangladesh from March 8 to 10 as part of ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ celebrations, commemorating the 50 years of 1971 war with Pakistan.
Notably, the Indian Navy ships are scheduled to make the arrive in Mongla ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Dhaka later this month.
“Indian Naval Ships Sumedha, an indigenously build Offshore Patrol vessel and Kulish, an indigenously built guided missile corvette, are scheduled to make a port call at the historic port town of Mongla in Bangladesh from 8th to 10th March 2021 to commemorate the ongoing Swarnim Vijay Varsh and reiterating the historic Indo-Bangladeshi friendship,” the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.
“This is the first time that any Indian Naval Ship is visiting the port of Mongla in Bangladesh and the visit is aimed at paying homage to the Bangladeshi and Indian combatants and citizens who laid down their lives during the Liberation War of 1971, and reiterate India’s firm resolve and commitment to maintain peace, stability and good order in the region, in line with SAGAR – Security and Growth for all in the Region, as articulated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India,” MoD said.
The Ministry further stated that on behalf of the Chief of Naval Staff, the Commanding Officers of the ships will call on the senior Bangladesh Navy hierarchy to reaffirm Indian Navy’s solidarity and partnership with the Bangladesh Navy.
“Following all Covid-19 protocols, the ships’ crew will also participate in professional and cultural exchanges as well as friendly sports fixtures with their counterparts in the Bangladesh Navy, further enhancing synergy between the two navies,” it added.
-ARK
