NEW DELHI: Indian Naval Ship (INS) Imphal made its inaugural port call at Port Louis, Mauritius, on March 10, to participate in the nationโs 57th National Day celebrations on March 12. This visit continues the tradition of Indian naval assets partaking in Mauritiusโ National Day events. INS Imphal will contribute a marching contingent, naval band, and a helicopter flypast during the parade at Champs de Mars. Notably, Indiaโs Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the Chief Guest for the celebrations.
During its stay from March 10 to 14, INS Imphal is scheduled to engage in various training and cultural exchanges, including cross-training visits, friendly sports matches, and community outreach activities. These initiatives aim to bolster bilateral relations and enhance maritime security cooperation between India and Mauritius. A joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance exercise with Mauritius Coast Guard ships is also planned.
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This deployment aligns with Indiaโs โNeighbourhood Firstโ policy and the vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), articulated by Prime Minister Modi a decade ago during the commissioning of MCGS Barracuda, the first Indian-built warship for the Mauritius National Coast Guard, on March 12, 2015. The presence of Indiaโs latest warship and aircraft at the National Day celebrations underscores Indiaโs commitment to a safe, secure, and stable Indian Ocean Region, in partnership with island nations like Mauritius, with which it shares deep historical, political, economic, security, and socio-cultural ties.
Commissioned in December 2023, INS Imphal is the third of the four Project 15B (Visakhapatnam-class) indigenous destroyers. Equipped with advanced weapons, sensors, and machinery, it ranks among the largest and most technologically sophisticated warships globally.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modiโs visit to Mauritius on March 11-12, 2025, as the Chief Guest for the National Day celebrations, highlights the enduring bond between the two nations. This visit marks his second attendance at Mauritiusโ National Day as Chief Guest, the first being in 2015. During this visit, Prime Minister Modi is expected to inaugurate over 20 India-funded projects, further strengthening bilateral relations.
His presence signifies Indiaโs support for Mauritiusโ sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago and a commitment to enhancing strategic ties.
The combined participation of INS Imphal and Prime Minister Modi in Mauritiusโ National Day celebrations exemplifies the robust and multifaceted partnership between India and Mauritius, reflecting shared values and mutual aspirations for regional security and prosperity.
