KOCHI (Kerala) March 26 – INS Sudarshini, the three-masted sail training ship of the Indian Navy, arrived here Monday after more than a six-month voyage to nine countries across Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations).
Flagging in the ship was Indian Defence Minister A K Antony, Chief of Southern Naval Command Vice Admiral Satish Soni, and ambassadors and heads of missions of Asean nations among those who were also present, Press Trust of India (PTI) reported.
The ship set sail from Kochi on Sept 15 last year and made port calls to Padang, Bali and Manado in Indonesia; Port Muara in Brunei; Cebu and Manila in Philippines; Da Nang in Vietnam; Sihanoukville in Cambodia’ Bangkok and Phuket in Thailand’ Singapore’ Port Klang in Malaysia; and Sittwe in Myanmar. Speaking at the welcoming ceremony, Antony said the voyage was a strong acknowledgement of India’s commitment to constructive engagement with Asean countries in trade, culture and security.
“India has always firmly believed that neighbours need not share borders, but common goals and interests,” he said.
“Asean countries and India share a common heritage particularly through a maritime association of over 2,000 years.”
BERNAMA
