This Article is From Jun 28, 2012

Indian warships on goodwill tour, dock in Malaysia

Indian warships on goodwill tour, dock in Malaysia
Port Klang, Malaysia: Four of Indian Navy's front-line warships have docked in Malaysia during the last leg of their goodwill tour of seven nations.

Prior to their call in Malaysia, the warships INS Rana, INS Shivalik, INS Karmukh and INS Shakti visited China, Singapore, Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines and South Korea before reaching Malaysia.

The ships, led by Rear Admiral Ajit Kumar, carry over 1,000 sailors and 200 senior marine officers. The ships' four-day visit to Malaysia is aimed at strengthening ties between the two naval forces.

"We have established good ties with the Royal Malaysian Navy but there is always room for growth. We will meet Malaysian navy officers to discuss if such programmes are viable," Kumar told reporters during a tour of the INS Shakti, which serves as the fuel and logistics tanker to the other three destroyers.

While it is his third visit to Malaysia, it is the first for many of the crew members. He also said, "Port Klang is one of the nicest ports we have ever been to and I believe we will have a great time here."

The ships, which will be open to the public tomorrow, will leave for India on Saturday.

The ships were named after warriors, weapons and mountains in India, he said, adding they symbolised power and strength.
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