Indian Naval Ship (INS) Imphal has arrived at Port Louis, Mauritius, for its maiden port call ahead of the country’s 57th National Day celebrations on 12 March. This visit continues the longstanding tradition of Indian warships and aircraft participating in Mauritius’ National Day events, reinforcing the close maritime and strategic ties between the two nations.
INS Imphal will field a marching contingent, a naval band, and a helicopter for the flypast at the National Day Parade at Champs de Mars as part of the celebrations. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the Chief Guest at the event, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
During its stay in Port Louis from 10–14 March, INS Imphal will engage in a series of professional, cultural, and community interactions, including cross-training visits, friendly sports fixtures, and outreach programs. A joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance mission and maritime exercise with Mauritius Coast Guard ships are also planned to enhance regional security cooperation.
This engagement is in line with India’s Neighborhood First policy and the vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), articulated by Prime Minister Modi exactly a decade ago in Mauritius during the commissioning of MCGS Barracuda—the first Indian-built warship for the Mauritius National Coast Guard—on 12 March 2015.
“The deployment of India’s latest warship and aircraft for Mauritius’ National Day celebrations highlights India’s deep commitment to fostering a safe, secure, and stable Indian Ocean Region (IOR), particularly in partnership with island nations like Mauritius, with whom it shares strong historical, political, economic, security, and socio-cultural ties,” the Indian Navy stated.
Commissioned in December 2023, Imphal is the third of four Project 15B (Visakhapatnam-class) indigenous destroyers. Armed with state-of-the-art weapons, sensors, and advanced technology, it is among the largest and most sophisticated warships in the world.
Team BharatShakti
