INS Kochi expected in Port Victoria this week |25 June 2019
The INS Kochi
The INS Kochi, a frontline destroyer of the Indian Navy, will be visiting Seychelles from June 26 to July 4, 2019 to participate in Seychelles’ National Day celebrations and to undertake surveillance of Seychelles’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The deployment of INS Kochi adds yet another chapter to the strong defense and maritime cooperation between Seychelles and India. The Indian Navy has been undertaking bi-annual deployment towards surveillance of Seychelles’ EEZ in joint operations with the Seychelles Coast Guard for the past few years in pursuance of a defence cooperation agreement between the two countries. The last such deployment was by INS Sarvekshak in February 2019.
Officers from the INS Kochi will also participate in Seychelles National Day celebrations. As a tradition, contingents from Indian Armed Forces have been participating in the National Day celebrations of Seychelles since 1976 and various ships have visited Port Victoria in the past for the same. As part of celebrations this year, a 25-men marching contingent and the internationally acclaimed Indian Naval Band embarked onboard the warship will take part in the prestigious annual Republic of Seychelles military parade on June 29, 2019.
During the ship’s stay in Port Victoria, the Commanding Officer and ship’s staff will also hold interactions with various authorities from the government of Seychelles and the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces. The ship’s officers and crew will also participate in several philanthropic, sporting and cultural activities during their stay in Seychelles.
INS Kochi (D64) is the second ship of the Kolkata class stealth guided missile destroyers built for the Indian Navy and was commissioned into the Indian Naval service on September 30, 2015. It was constructed at Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) located in Mumbai. INS Kochi is the most potent among the surface combatants that have been constructed in India. It measures 164 metres in length and approximately 17 metres in width, with a full load displacement of 7500 tonnes.
INS Kochi derives its name from the vibrant port city of Kochi. This is a tribute to the city’s distinct maritime character and culture, and symbolises the special bond between the Indian Navy and the city of Kochi. The ship’s crest depicts a sword and a shield together with a Snake Boat riding on the blue and white ocean waves, which symbolise the Malabar region’s rich maritime heritage and martial traditions. The crew of the ship abides by the Sanskrit motto “JahiShatrunMahabaho” which means “Oh mighty armed one… conquer the enemy”. At the helm of the ship is Captain Dalip Singh. He is assisted by a team of professional and highly motivated officers and sailors.
While docked in Port Victoria, the ship will be open to visitors on Saturday June 29, 2019 from 12 noon to 5pm. All are cordially invited.