Indian Naval Ship (INS) Imphal arrived at Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, on Monday for its maiden port call ahead of the country’s 57th National Day celebrations on March 12.
The warship’s visit continues the longstanding tradition of Indian naval vessels and aircraft participating in Mauritius’ National Day events, reinforcing the strong maritime ties between the two nations.
During the celebrations, Imphal will contribute a marching contingent, a naval band, and a helicopter for the ceremonial flypast at the National Day Parade at Champs de Mars. The event will be graced by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will attend as the Chief Guest.
Beyond its role in the National Day festivities, Imphal’s stay in Port Louis, from March 10 to 14, includes several bilateral engagements aimed at enhancing defense cooperation. These activities will feature cross-training visits, friendly sports fixtures, and community outreach initiatives, further deepening India-Mauritius maritime collaboration. A joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance and exercise with Mauritius Coast Guard ships is also planned, underscoring the shared commitment to regional security.
The visit aligns with India’s Neighbourhood First policy and its vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), which Prime Minister Modi first articulated in Mauritius a decade ago during the commissioning of MCGS Barracuda—the first Indian-built warship inducted into the Mauritius National Coast Guard on March 12, 2015.
The presence of India’s latest warship and aircraft at the National Day celebrations highlights India’s commitment to fostering a secure and stable Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Mauritius, with its deep-rooted historical, political, economic, and socio-cultural ties with India, remains a key partner in this vision.
Commissioned in December 2023, Imphal is the third of the four Project 15B (Visakhapatnam-class) indigenous destroyers. It is equipped with cutting-edge weaponry, sensors, and advanced machinery, making it one of the most sophisticated warships in the world.
