London: The Indian Navy’s frontline frigate, INS Tabar, arrived at London Harbour on August 7th for a four-day visit, marking another chapter in the enduring relationship between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy. This visit underscores the historical ties between the two navies, which have flourished over recent decades through regular visits, joint naval exercises, and the annual bilateral exercise Konkan.
During its stay in London, INS Tabar will engage in a series of professional interactions with the Royal Navy aimed at enhancing bilateral relations, particularly in the maritime domain. These engagements will also serve as an opportunity to showcase Indian culture and reinforce the strong bonds between the two nations.
In addition to naval interactions, the crew of INS Tabar will participate in community service by offering assistance to retired pensioners of the Royal Army at a local Old Age Home. This gesture is in line with the ideology of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The World is One Family), as championed by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
INS Tabar, a stealth frigate built in Russia for the Indian Navy, is commanded by Captain MR Harish and operates with a crew of approximately 280 personnel. The frigate is equipped with a versatile range of weapons and sensors, making it one of the earliest stealth frigates in the Indian Navy’s arsenal. It is part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet, based in Mumbai under the Western Naval Command.