Indian Navy photo taken from INS Tabar as the guided-missile stealth frigate arrived in Malaga, Spain.
New Delhi: Continuing with its European port calls and bilateral naval drills with countries in the content since July, INS Tabar, one of the Indian Navy’s most advanced stealth frigate, has docked at Malaga, Spain for a brief two-day visit, on Sunday. This stopover aims to strengthen the bilateral ties between New Delhi and Madrid.
Port Call by INS TABAR at Malaga. Captain M.R. Harish was received by the Mayor of Malaga, @pacodelatorrep and they discussed ongoing strategic cooperation between India and Spain and the contribution of the Indian diaspora in Malaga. pic.twitter.com/h3alCM7f5n
— India in Spain (@IndiainSpain) August 26, 2024
In a statement, the Navy said India recognizes Spain’s efforts to carry out its responsibility in maritime security, given its vast coastline. It also said India has been actively collaborating with Spain through various constructive efforts. INS Tabar's visit is meant to further cement these bonds and explore new avenues to bolster our relationship in the maritime domain, the Navy said.
The crew of INS Tabar organized a reception for representatives of Malaga City Council, Spanish Navy and Indian community, onboard the ship. Amb @DineshKPatnaik spoke of India's growing strategic relations with Spain, as evidenced by the frequent visits of Indian naval vessels. pic.twitter.com/cJwDXY4BZu
— India in Spain (@IndiainSpain) August 27, 2024
During their two-day stay at Malaga port, the ship’s crew, led by the ship’s skipper, Captain MR Harish, will engage in several professional interactions with the Spanish navy, which is officially called the Armada Española. It may be noted that the Armada is one of the oldest maritime forces in the world, which is still in full-fledged service.
— India in Spain (@IndiainSpain) August 26, 2024
Port Call by INS TABAR at Malaga. Captain M.R. Harish was received by the Mayor of Malaga, @pacodelatorrep and they discussed ongoing strategic cooperation between India and Spain and the contribution of the Indian diaspora in Malaga. pic.twitter.com/h3alCM7f5n
After departing Malaga, INS Tabar will conduct a PASSEX (passing exercise) at sea with Spanish ship of the Armada* Atalaya, which is a Serviola-class patrol boat. The Navy said the exercise is designed to enhance the interoperability between the Indian and the Spanish navies and provide both sides an opportunity to observe and adopt each other’s “best practices”.
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) August 27, 2024
#IndianNavy's frontline Frigate #INSTabar arrived in Málaga, #Spain to a warm welcome by the #SpanishNavy on #25Aug 24.
The stay at Málaga incl professional interactions with the Spanish Govt Officials, cultural exchange showcasing Indian culture & hospitality.
Followed by… pic.twitter.com/KIFDqOWKLs
The Navy further said it remains committed to “fostering partnerships with navies across the globe”. Earlier, INS Tabar visited St Petersburg, Russia; Hamburg, Germany; London, United Kingdom; Gothenburg, Sweden; and Esbjerg, Denmark, starting from July this year.
*Spain does not use prefixes before its naval vessel names internally. ESPN or SPS are no longer used.
