Indian Naval Ship (INS) Talwar, a guided missile Frigate of the Indian Navy, arrived at Mina Salman Port on Monday.
In the framework of the deep-rooted friendly ties, multi-faceted and growing cooperation between India and the Kingdom of Bahrain, Indian Naval Ships have been frequently visiting Bahrain.INS Talwar (F 40) (translated as ‘Sword’) is the lead ship of Talwar class Guided Missile Frigates and was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 18 June 2003. One of the potent warships of Indian Navy displaces about 3700 tons and is capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots (about 55 kmph). Equipped with an impressive array of weapon and sensors, the ship is capable of addressing and neutralising threats from the air, sea and undersea. The ship’s combat power is supplemented by its integral Helicopter. The formidable ship is run by a professional and motivated team of 25 officers and 220 sailors. The ship is presently being commanded by Captain Satish Shenai.
In the backdrop of the prevailing maritime security situation in the Gulf region, Indian Navy had commenced Maritime Security Operations named Operation SANKALP, in the Gulf Region in June 2019 to ensure safe passage of Indian Flag Vessels transiting through the Strait of Hormuz. Indian Naval Ship Talwar is presently deployed for Operation SANKALP in the Gulf Region in pursuance of the Indian Navy’s commitment towards ensuring the safety and security of Maritime trade.
On 11 March 2021, whilst deployed in the Gulf of Oman as part of the operations, the ship received a distress call from a stranded UAE flagged cargo ship MV Nayan requesting for assistance. The cargo ship on transit from UAE to Iraq, was adrift since 09 March 2021 owing to failure of its propulsion, power generation machinery and navigational equipment. INS Talwar deployed its teams which worked tirelessly for over seven hours and enabled the ship to resume her passage.
While the ship’s visit to Bahrain is a testimony to the friendly ties between India and Bahrain, it also highlights the Indian Navy’s commitment to build cooperative partnerships with friendly nations of the Indian Ocean region to develop solutions to meet maritime challenges together.
