Ahead of the 57th Mauritius National Day celebrations on March 12, 2025, the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Imphal made her first port call in Port Louis, Mauritius. The visit strengthens the two countries' nautical and diplomatic ties by highlighting India's traditional practice of sending ships to participate in Mauritius' national celebrations.
With a marching troop, a naval band, and a helicopter flypast, INS Imphal will participate in the National Day Parade at Champs de Mars. The Chief Guest, Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, will honour the occasion.
The battleship will participate in several training and cultural activities while in Mauritius from March 10 to 14, such as friendly sporting events, cross-training trips, and community service initiatives. To further strengthen maritime security cooperation, INS Imphal will also engage in a cooperative naval exercise and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance with the Mauritius Coast Guard (MCGS) vessels.
Also Read: Revanth Reddy operating as covert operative of BJP: KTR
India's "Neighbourhood First" policy and SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region) vision, which Prime Minister Modi first stated in Mauritius ten years ago on March 12, 2015, when MCGS Barracuda, the first Indian-built warship for the Mauritius National Coast Guard, was commissioned, are in line with this visit.
The third of four indigenous destroyers of the Project 15B Visakhapatnam class, INS Imphal was put into service in December 2023. It is one of the biggest and most technologically advanced warships in the world, equipped with cutting-edge armaments, sensors, and sophisticated technology.
India's dedication to upholding a safe, secure, and stable Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and bolstering its strong historical, political, economic, and security relations with Mauritius is demonstrated by its participation in the country's National Day celebrations.