NEW DELHI, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi embarked on board a Myanmar Navy warship and held talks with the military high command, with the aim of strengthening bilateral maritime cooperation during his ongoing visit to the neighboring country.
Admiral Tripathi also visited the Myanmar Naval Training Command where he formally handed over some military equipment including a containerized small arms simulator and a “rigid inflatable boat,” according to the Indian Navy.
The Navy Chief began his four-day trip to Myanmar on Saturday with the aim of strengthening operational-level cooperation between the two navies and exploring new avenues of cooperation.
The Chief of Naval Staff is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with the Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Armed Forces, General Ye Win Oo, the Minister of Defense, General U Htun Aung, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Navy, Admiral Htin Win.
Myanmar is one of India’s main strategic neighboring countries and shares a 1,640 km border with several northeastern states, including Nagaland and Manipur, which are witnessing armed attacks.
The country is considered crucial under India’s ‘Neighborhood First’, ‘Move East’ and ‘Mahasagar’ policies.
As part of the ongoing visit to Myanmar, Admiral Tripathi boarded the Myanmar Navy frigate, UMS Kyan Sit Thar, on May 2, the Indian Navy said on social media.
He was received on board by Captain Kyaw Thet Naing, Commander of No. 1 Fleet, with a ceremonial guard of honour.
Admiral Tripathi also visited the Central Naval Command headquarters in Yangon.
The Navy Commander held discussions with Admiral Aung Aung Naing, Commander, Central Naval Command, and Admiral Khun Aung Kyaw, Commander, Naval Training Command.
The Indian Navy said issues related to enhancing inter-naval cooperation, strengthening the existing defense partnership, increasing operational engagements, maritime security and promoting common goals of a stable and secure maritime environment were discussed.
The statement stated, “Aspects related to enhancing cooperation in the field of training and future means of cooperation were discussed, with an emphasis on the commitment to enhancing interoperability and training exchange programs.”
Admiral Tripathi formally handed over “various projects undertaken with the assistance of the Government of India, including containerized small arms simulator and rigid inflatable boat, to enhance maritime security in the Bay of Bengal region,” it said.
The Indian Navy regularly cooperates with the Myanmar Navy through staff talks, training exchanges and operational interactions including under Indo-Myanmar Naval exercises, coordinated India-Myanmar patrols and hydrographic surveys.
Myanmar has participated in all the recent events hosted by the Indian Navy such as the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium, Milan Naval Exercises, International Fleet Review, Goa Naval Meeting, among others.
“The visit of the Chief of Naval Staff reaffirms the long-standing bond of friendship between India and Myanmar, which is based on mutual respect, trust and shared commitment to maritime security and stability in the Indian Ocean region,” the Navy said.
This article was generated from an automated news feed without any modifications to the text.
