In a demonstration of India’s commitment to its ties with Mauritius and to promote maritime security in the Indian Ocean region, Indian naval ship Shardul was at Port Louis on a three-day visit. INS Shardul, an amphibious ship of the Indian Navy, is currently on a month-long deployment in the southern Indian Ocean in keeping with the vision of SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region. Accordingly, the Indian Navy will be progressing maritime security cooperation with Mauritius National Coast Guard (MNCG) towards ensuring a secure and stable regional maritime environment for unhindered economic development in the region.

INS Shardul’s visit is part of its mission to carry out surveillance in the Mauritius EEZ with NCG personnel embarked onboard. During the current deployment, Shardul has also escorted MCGS Victory, a ship built at the Goa Shipyard Limited and handed over to the NCG on September 26, 2016.