Indian Navy ship in Manila for goodwill visit

MANILA, Philippines — A ship of the Indian Navy arrived in Manila on Sunday for a four-day goodwill visit to the country.

The INS Sahyadri, a Shivalik-class stealth frigate, docked at the South Harbor on Sunday morning.

Its crew, led by its skipper Capt. Kunal Singh Rajkumar, will be in the country for several activities as part of its goodwill visit.

According to the Philippine Navy, Filipino sailors will be allowed to tour and familiarize themselves with the Indian Navy ship to get a feel of Indian naval operations and equipment.

“The said visit is another gesture of fostering goodwill thus contributing to the deepening friendship between the Philippine Navy and Indian Navy established through the years with continuing commitment to promoting naval diplomacy and camaraderie,” said Commander Lued Lincuna, Navy spokesperson.

On Sunday, a Navy ship conducted customary meeting procedures with the Sahyadri in the vicinity of Corregidor Island to escort her to her designated berthing area at the Pier 15.

Navy personnel also welcomed their Indian counterparts, followed by a port briefing on security, safety and health aboard the Indian Navy ship.

Kunal and his other offices will pay a courtesy call to Navy chief, Vice Adm. Caesar Taccad, on Tuesday.

Lincuna added that the goodwill visit would include confidence building activities and cultural exchanges such as basketball games and receptions.  SFM