INS Tabar as it crossed London’s iconic Tower Bridge. (Photo: X/@DefProdnIndia)
New Delhi: The Indian Navy’s frontline frigate, INS Tabar, made a grand entrance into the heart of the British capital, on Wednesday, for a four-day goodwill visit. The multirole stealth warship, which boasts state-of-the-art technology, was welcomed with enthusiasm by the Indian diaspora and curious onlookers alike.
As the imposing vessel sailed past the iconic raised Tower Bridge, cheers erupted from the crowds lining the Thames river. The visit marks a significant milestone in the enduring maritime partnership between India and the United Kingdom, underscoring the growing defence cooperation between the two nations.
INS Tabar’s journey to London follows its participation in the Russian Navy Day parade in St Petersburg, a maritime partnership exercise (MPX) with the Russian navy in the Baltic Sea and an MPX with the German navy in the North Sea off the Kiel Canal within the last two weeks, as India Sentinels reported.
The INS Tabar’s London visit is part of a broader initiative to strengthen maritime ties and enhance cooperation between India and the United Kingdom. During its stay in London, the warship’s crew will engage in a series of professional interactions with their Royal Navy counterparts, fostering closer ties and sharing expertise.
#IndianNavy's stealth frigate #INSTabar, during her ongoing Operational Deployment to European Nations arrived at #London, UK to a huge welcome by Indian Diaspora present at the iconic #TowerBridge.@HCI_London @IN_WesternFleet@SpokespersonMoD
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) August 8, 2024
Details⬇️https://t.co/6rKtlZTwun pic.twitter.com/5uBqSlcQE4
Opportunities for public visits are also expected to be arranged, offering the British public a rare glimpse into life aboard a modern warship.
INS Tabar’s arrival in London comes as both countries seek to strengthen their strategic alliance amid a complex global landscape. The visit is seen as a symbol of the deepening bonds between India and the UK, and a testament to the Indian Navy’s growing global presence.
