Captain Kodalapuram Sri Vatsa assumed command of Naval Air Station INS Garuda at Kochi at a Ceremonial Parade on December 15, as the 34th commanding officer of the oldest Air Station of the Indian Navy, informed the Southern Naval Command through a statement.
Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral R Hari Kumar today held a meeting with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe. During the meeting, Admiral R Hari Kumar apprised Ranil Wickremesinghe of the progress of ongoing bilateral maritime engagements between India and Sri Lanka navies.
In an earlier release, the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka said the visit of CNS symbolises strong relations and close cooperation between the two countries, with Sri Lanka being accorded the status of 'Priority One' partner by India.
The Chinese vessel was being constantly monitored by Indian Navy assets including long-range surveillance drones and maritime patrol aircraft, sources said.
Exercise Sangam was first conducted in 1994 and is an important military and diplomatic initiative between the two nations, reflective of the trust and friendship between them.
During the demonstration, there was a spectacular display of the entire spectrum of naval operations by the ships and aircraft showcasing the prowess and capabilities of the Indian Navy.
President Murmu said that India is an inherently maritime Nation - with the sea on three sides and high mountains on the fourth. It is but natural that the oceans would play a vital role in India's growth and prosperity.
India celebrates December 4 as Navy Day, every year, to acknowledge the role of the Indian Navy and commemorate its achievements in 'Operation Trident' during the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that the Indian Navy (IN) and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) are being equipped with indigenous state-of-the-art ships and weapons to protect the maritime borders of the country.