INS Sumitra creates history: Becomes first warship to touch Sabang port of Indonesia

Jakarta, July 11: Our presidential yacht, INS Sumitra has touched the land of Indonesia today which was welcomed warmly by the Indonesians. It also created a history as INS Sumitra became the first warship to enter into Indonesian water and touch the Sabang port.

 

The Indian Navy said INS Sumitra was received by traditional dancers and Indonesian traditional band. This paved a good way for friendly relations between the Indian and Indonesian navies. The ship was welcomed by Indian Ambassador to Indonesia PK Rawat, Indonesian foreign affairs officials, members from Indian embassy, Indian businessmen and Indonesian naval and air force officers onboard. The warship was deployed in Malacca Straits.

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Jakarta in May this year, in a meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo, it was decided that New Delhi will develop the strategically important Indonesian port Sabang in the Indian Ocean, close to the Andamans.

"The ship sailed from Port Blair and is visiting Sabang for a routine operational turnaround, wherein it will take provisions and fuel before going for further deployment in the Indian Ocean," a statement from the Embassy of India in Jakarta read.

 

"Indonesia shares the sea border with India and the visit here of the Indian warship is a reflection of good relations between the two countries," Indonesian Navy Col. Edi Haryanto said.

 

The visit here by the Indian warship the INS Sumitra is to ensure security in the sea separating the two countries, and "as a reflection of the commitment of the two countries to strengthen bilateral relation," he said.