As a part of the Indian Navy’s
overseas deployment to the Gulf, INS Betwa arrived on
August 14, 2007 on a friendly Goodwill Visit to the State of
Kuwait from August 14-18, 2007.
The Guided Missile
Frigate, INS Betwa, is a modern indigenously built and
designed warship that greatly enhances the capability in
conducting maritime operations in all three dimensions. The ship
is commanded by Captain Sanjay Bhutani.
Over the years,
Indian warships have regularly paid visits to ports in the Gulf,
reaffirming their presence and solidarity for peace with
countries in the region. The last goodwill visit to Kuwait was
in December, 2003 when INS Delhi and INS Mumbai
made a port call.
Significantly,
INS Betwa is in Kuwait when Indian celebrates the 60th
Anniversary of its Independence Day on August 15, 2007. The
ship’s visit will further strengthen the friendly, historical
relations between the two countries. It will foster maritime
goodwill between the two nations that share a rich cultural and
maritime heritage. It is after all the Dhow we fondly recall in
our link by the sea over time immemorial.
INS Betwa’s visit also aims at
strengthening further the bonds of friendship between the two
nations which received a major impetus after the visit to India
in June 2006 by His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber
Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait. The visit will prove to
be an important event in the bilateral and multi-dimensional
cooperation between the two countries in various areas to mutual
benefit.
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