Indian Navy warship INS Tarkash, which is currently deployed in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG), took part in a Joint Maritime Exercise with Nigerian Navy Patrol Ships on September 12-13, according to a statement by the Indian Navy.
In a tweet, the Indian Navy wrote, “Reinforcing #IndianNavy’s commitment to #MaritimeSecurity INS Tarkash is mission-deployed in #GulfofGuinea (GoG) for anti-piracy ops.#INSTarkash participated in a Joint Maritime Exercise with #NigerianNavy Patrol Ships NNS Kano, Osun, Sokoto & Nguru. @DefenceInfoNG”
The Nigerian Navy Patrol Ships which participated in the naval exercise as a part of the deployment were NNS Kano, Osun, Sokoto and Nguru.
Reinforcing the Indian Navy’s commitment to maritime security, INS Tarkash is currently mission-deployed in the Gulf of Guinea (GOG) for anti-piracy operations.
The exercise provided an opportunity to strengthen interoperability between the Indian and Nigerian navies in various facets of maritime operations like anti-piracy, assistance to vessels in distress, SAR drills, and anti-air and anti-surface operations. It also helped enhance skills for naval interdiction and counter-piracy operations, according to Indian Navy officials.
The exercise marked India and Nigeria’s first joint operational deployment in support of anti-piracy operations in the GOG.
Earlier on July 29, INS Tarkash completed her Mediterranean deployment and entered the Atlantic to continue with her long-range voyage.
According to the Indian Navy, the ship participated in a Maritime Partnership Exercise in the Atlantic with Royal Morocco Naval Ship Hassan 2, a Floreal Class Corvette, on July 26.
Exercises conducted included man overboard drills, search and seizure operations on board, approaches for replenishment at sea, tactical maneuvers, and helicopter cross-deck landings.