Niël Terblanché
The Indian Navy’s state-of-the-art frigate, INS Tushil, made its maiden port call at Walvis Bay from 21 to 23 January.
The ship’s visit marked another step in strengthening maritime cooperation between India and Namibia.
The vessel, a multi-role stealth and guided-missile frigate, was received by the Namibian Navy, Namport, and officials from the High Commission of India (HCI).
Having departed Lagos, Nigeria, after an eight-day voyage, INS Tushil docked in Namibia with a clear agenda: strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing maritime collaboration.
The Commanding Officer of the vessel, Captain Peter Verghese, hosted a Namibian Naval delegation and the Port Captain aboard the ship, offering them a first-hand experience of its cutting-edge technology.
“This tour has not only showcased the technological prowess of the Tushil but also opened new avenues for maritime cooperation,” he said.
Captain Verghese also paid courtesy visits to Rear Admiral Junior Grade Erastus Lazarus, Namibia’s Commander of Naval Operations, and Walvis Bay’s deputy mayor, Saara Mutondoka.
Discussions during these engagements centred on maritime security and exploring potential areas for collaboration.
The visit extended beyond formalities, featuring cultural and recreational exchanges.
On the second day, the crew participated in a yoga session promoting unity and well-being, followed by a friendly sports event between members of the ship’s crew and local teams to build camaraderie.
“These exchanges highlight the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect between our nations,” said Mutondoka.
INS Tushil embarked on her maiden operational deployment on 17 December 2024, setting sail from Kaliningrad, Russia.
The warship travelled through the Baltic and North Seas, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Indian Ocean, conducting port calls and joint exercises with friendly foreign navies along the way.
Before arriving in Namibia, she visited London, Casablanca, Dakar, and Lagos, participating in Passage Exercises (PASSEX) and Maritime Partnership Exercises (MPX).
The frigate is expected to reach her homeport of Karwar, India, in mid-February, after completing anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Guinea alongside European Union navies.
INS Tushil departed Walvis Bay last Thursday.
