
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Ranvir, a Rajput Class Guided Missile Destroyer, recently visited Chattogram, Bangladesh, as part of an Operational Deployment under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command.
- The visit aimed to strengthen the longstanding friendship and cooperation between India and Bangladesh, as well as enhance interoperability between the two navies.
About INS Ranvir:
- INS Ranvir is a Rajput Class Guided Missile Destroyer, equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, primarily of Indian origin.
- It is the fourth of five Rajput-class destroyers constructed for the Indian Navy and was commissioned on October 28, 1986.
- During the visit, personnel from the Indian and Bangladesh navies engaged in professional interactions, including Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE), cross-deck visits, community outreach, and friendly sports fixtures.
- Following the harbour phase, INS Ranvir participated in a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX)/Passing Exercise (PASSEX) with ships of the Bangladesh Navy.
- The visit to Chattogram reinforced the robust interoperability between India and Bangladesh and reaffirmed their commitment to Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), an Indian foreign policy initiative focused on promoting cooperation and mutual trust in the Indian Ocean region.
SAGAR Initiative:
- Introduced in 2015, the SAGAR Initiative is an Indian foreign policy doctrine that aims to promote cooperation and mutual trust between India and its neighbouring countries, particularly in the Indian Ocean region.
- The initiative includes various components, including:
- Maintaining maritime security and safety
- Encouraging sustainable development and economic growth
- Strengthening cultural and people-to-people ties
Indian Ocean Rim Association:
- The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is an intergovernmental organization comprising member states bordering the Indian Ocean.
- Established in 1997, IORA includes countries from Africa, West Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe, and Oceania.