Indian Naval Ship (INS) Imphal has arrived in Port Louis, Mauritius, for its first-ever visit. The warship will take part in the 57th Mauritius National Day celebrations on March 12, 2025. This visit continues India's tradition of participating in Mauritiu's national events, strengthening the close bond between the two countries.
As part of the celebrations, INS Imphal will present a marching contingent, a naval band, and a helicopter flypast during the National Day Parade at Champs de Mars. The event will be attended by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who will be the Chief Guest.
During its stay from March 10 to March 14, the warship will take part in several activities, including training programs, cultural exchanges, friendly sports matches, and community service initiatives. A joint security operation with the Mauritius Coast Guard, including Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance and naval exercises, is also planned to enhance maritime security cooperation.
This visit reflects India’s ‘Neighborhood First’ policy and its SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision, which Prime Minister Modi introduced in Mauritius in 2015 during the commissioning of MCGS Barracuda, the first Indian-built warship for the Mauritius National Coast Guard.
INS Imphal, commissioned in December 2023, is one of India’s most advanced warships. It is the third of four Project 15B (Visakhapatnam-class) indigenous destroyers, equipped with the latest technology, weapons, and sensors. Its participation in Mauritius' National Day celebrations highlights India’s dedication to ensuring peace, security, and cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region while strengthening its long-standing ties with Mauritius. (PR)