The Indian Naval Ship Tarkash has arrived at Portsmouth naval base for a joint planning conference between Indian and Royal Naval personnel. INS Tarkash sailed into port on Thursday morning and will also be open to the public on Saturday from 1100-1600 to give a glimpse of life onboard for the Indian Navy.
Built in Russia, the ship is the newest addition to the Indian Fleet and is on her way to the country for the first time.
The conference, called Konkan 12 is the fifth in a series of bilateral maritime exercises and conferences between the Indian and Royal Navies aimed at developing a shared understanding of maritime operations.
This year’s conference has focused on the Amphibious Operations doctrine and will look at the capability and tactics involved so that the two navies can work closely together in the future.
Commodore Jeremy Blunden , Deputy Commander UK Maritime Forces, said:
“I am delighted to welcome the Indian Navy this week.
“The Konkan series of exercises and conferences are an important part of the Royal Navy’s relationship with the Indian Navy and the strong defence partnership that exists between our two nations.
“This week’s talks and workshops have done much to improve our shared understanding of how we will conduct future amphibious operations in support of humanitarian aid and disaster relief as well as high end warfighting where it is required.”
There is a common history between the two navies and the Indian Navy still operates ex-RN warship HMS Hermes, which is now called INS Viraat.
Personal links are strong too; the Commanding Officer of INS Tarkash, Captain Antony George , attended the Advanced Command and Staff Course in the UK in 2001.
While this is the first Indian ship visit for three years, HMS Echo, HMS Daring and RFA Fort Rosalie have all docked at Mumbai this year.
The Royal Navy is deployed on operations all over the world and working with global partners, such as India, in a range of operational theatres.
Exercises like Konkan 12 help to provide the foundations for these close partnerships.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff,November 23, 2012; Image: Royal Navy