Suva : India and Fiji discussed collaboration in maritime security, capacity development, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) as INS Kadmatt arrived at the Port of Suva on Monday for a three-day goodwill visit.
According to the High Commission of India in Fiji, Commander Kutuhal Limaye, Commanding Officer of INS Kadmatt, met with Mr. Mason Smith, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs. Captain Rohit Raymond Kattoju, India’s Defence Adviser to Fiji, accompanied the delegation. Both sides exchanged views on enhancing maritime cooperation, HADR operations, and capacity development initiatives.
During the visit, INS Kadmatt hosted an ‘Open Day’, welcoming local visitors onboard. Guests interacted with the crew, gaining insights into India’s naval capabilities and fostering stronger people-to-people ties between India and Fiji.
INS Kadmatt arrived in Suva after a three-day port call at Surabaya, Indonesia, strengthening the bonds of friendship, trust, and interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL). The crew participated in professional engagements, cultural exchanges, combined yoga sessions, and friendly sports activities, including a volleyball match with TNI AL personnel, demonstrating camaraderie and mutual collaboration.
The Indian Navy also engaged the Indian diaspora in Indonesia, offering them an opportunity to visit the ship and interact with the crew. Courtesy calls with senior naval leadership highlighted the commitment of India and Indonesia to maintain a secure and stable maritime environment in the region.
“The visit of INS Kadmatt reaffirmed the Indian Navy’s role as a preferred security partner in the region and strengthened the longstanding maritime partnership between India and Indonesia under the vision of ‘Partnership Across Sea’,” the Ministry of Defence stated.
The three-day visit to Fiji will similarly include professional and cultural engagements aimed at enhancing India-Fiji maritime cooperation and mutual understanding. These visits emphasize India’s commitment to promoting regional security, humanitarian readiness, and stronger naval partnerships across the Indo-Pacific.
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