The Indian Navy’s stealth frigate INS Talwar arrived at La Réunion on October 27, marking a key step in bolstering India-France cooperation to address maritime security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
The port visit will feature cross-deck visits and interactions with the French Navy, fostering deeper ties between the two nations. The frigate was also opened for visits by members of the Indian diaspora (Pravasi Bharatiya) on October 27, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defence.
India and France share a longstanding and strategic partnership, particularly in defense and maritime collaboration. This visit is part of INS Talwar’s larger operational deployment in the IOR, reinforcing both countries’ commitment to regional security.
INS Talwar, commissioned on June 18, 2003, is part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet under the Western Naval Command. The vessel, currently commanded by Captain Jithu George, recently participated in the IBSAMAR VIII multilateral naval exercise held in South Africa.
The frigate’s visit to La Réunion follows its stopover in Mombasa, Kenya, on September 22. During that visit, the ship’s crew engaged with Kenyan naval personnel to enhance cooperation and interoperability through professional exchanges and joint activities, reaffirming India’s commitment to regional partnerships.
INS Talwar, named after the traditional sword, is the lead ship of the Talwar-class stealth frigates and measures 125 meters in length. It is capable of reaching speeds of up to 30 knots and is equipped with an extensive suite of weapons and sensors, including surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, medium and short-range guns, anti-submarine torpedoes, and an advanced electronic warfare system.
The frigate’s capabilities extend to operating multiple helicopters, including the Kamov 31 for Airborne Early Warning, Kamov 28 for Anti-Submarine Warfare, and the Chetak for search-and-rescue operations. This versatility allows INS Talwar to perform a range of missions, from coastal and offshore patrols to maritime diplomacy, counter-terrorism, and anti-piracy operations.
(Inputs from ANI)