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Towards bolstering the robust ties between Israel and India, a frontline warship of the Indian Navy, INS Trikand made a port call at the port of Haifa today 19 Aug 2015. During her four day stay at Haifa, extensive engagements are planned with the Israeli Navy. In addition to professional interactions, various sports and social engagements are planned to further enhance cooperation and understanding between the two navies. The bonds developed through such events strengthen the established mechanisms of maritime cooperation between the two countries while pursuing common goals of safe and secure seas. The previous port call at Haifa by an Indian Navy warship was in 2012.

The visit is part of the Indian Navy’s mission of building ‘bridges of friendship’ and strengthening international cooperation with friendly countries. The four day visit also aims at reaffirming the Indian Navy’s peaceful presence and solidarity with the countries in the region, thereby allowing both Israel and India, to meet the ever growing challenges of the maritime environment.

Since establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations in 1992, bilateral interactions between India and Israel have seen rapid growth across a broad spectrum. The bilateral relationship has thrived on the common principles of democracy, liberal outlook and similar strengths of the knowledge industry. Within this conducive environment of warmth friendship, Defence and agriculture have become the main pillars of bilateral engagements. India has acquired critical defence technologies from Israel, notable among them being the Barak-I missile system for the Indian Navy.

INS Trikand, commanded by Captain Vinay Kalia, is the latest warship of the Indian Navy equipped with a versatile range of weapons and sensors enabling to address threats in all the three dimensions – air, surface and sub-surface. The visiting ship is part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet and is under the operational command of the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, with its Headquarters at Mumbai.

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