New Delhi (NVI): The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Jalashwa delivered 1,000 metric tonnes (MT) of rice at port of Anjouanon, Comoros on March 14, as part of Mission Sagar-IV.
“An official ceremony for handing over the food aid from the Government of India to Government of Comoros was held on March 15, 2021,” according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence.
The ceremony was attended by Dhoihir Dhoulkamal, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in charge of the Diaspora and Djae Ahamada Chanfi, Minister of Maritime and Air Transport of Comoros, it added.
The Indian side was represented by Captain Pankaj Chauhan, Commanding Officer INS Jalashwa.
This is the second visit of an Indian Navy ship to the island country within a span of one year.
Earlier in May-June 2020, as part of Mission Sagar-I, the Indian Navy had delivered essential medicines to Comoros, the statement said. It had also deployed a specialist medical team to work alongside their counterparts and to render assistance for dengue fever related emergencies.
INS Jalashwa, the largest amphibious ship of Indian Navy, has been specially sent to Comoros due to its large carrying capacity.
The two countries have always enjoyed close and friendly relations and have similarities of view on regional and global issues.
“‘Mission Sagar’, builds on the excellent relations existing between Comoros and India and deployment also resonates the vision of our Prime Minister of Security and Growth for All in the Region ‘SAGAR’ and highlights the importance accorded by India to relations with the countries of the IOR,” the ministry noted.
However, the operation is being progressed in close coordination with the Ministries of External Affairs, and other agencies of the government of India.
-RJV
