INS Tamal, the Indian Navy’s newest stealth frigate, has completed a port call at Casablanca, Morocco, from August 6-9 during her return voyage to India.
Commissioned in Russia on July 1, INS Tamal is transiting back to her home base via multiple European and Asian ports, advancing India’s maritime diplomacy and reinforcing bilateral ties.
INS Tamal is the third Indian Naval Ship in the last two years to visit Casablanca.
During the three-day port call, the ship engaged in a host of activities focused on furthering cooperation and collaboration between the two navies.
Bilateral discussions with senior military officials, cross-deck visits, sports fixtures, yoga and cultural exchanges by both sides in honour of Indo-Moroccan relations were conducted as part of the port call.
The ship’s crew interacted with Captain Rachid Sadrhazi, Commander of the 1st Naval base, Captain-Major Hasan Akouli, Commander of the Central Maritime sector, Brigadier General Jamal Kaztouf, Delegated Commander of Weapons of Casablanca Area and Rear Admiral Mohamed Tahin, the Rear-Admiral inspector of the Royal Moroccan Navy.
The Indian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco, Sanjay Rana visited the ship and interacted with senior military officials of the Moroccan Navy and the ship’s crew, read a government statement.
On departure from Casablanca, the ship undertook a Passage Exercise with Royal Moroccan Navy Ship Mohammed VI.
The port call at Casablanca is indicative of the importance India attaches to its relations with Morocco and the endeavour to strengthen the growing defence cooperation between the two nations.
It also provided an opportunity for both navies to share best practices and explore new avenues of cooperation. Enroute to her home base in India, the ship will visit multiple European and Asian ports furthering bilateral ties across the spectrum.
