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INS Tushil and the Royal Moroccan Navy will participate in a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) at sea
In a significant move to bolster maritime and diplomatic ties, the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Tushil made a port call at Casablanca, Morocco, on Friday (December 27, 2024). The visit, part of INS Tushil’s maiden operational deployment, marked a crucial step in enhancing India’s maritime diplomacy in the region.
Commissioned in Russia on December 9, 2024, INSL Tushil is the Indian Navy’s latest multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate. It is commanded by Captain Peter Varghese and is supported by a dedicated crew of 250 personnel. The ship’s visit underscores India’s commitment to fostering strong bilateral ties with Morocco, a nation strategically positioned with coastlines along both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
Elevating Mutual Trust and Interoperability
According to the Ministry of Defence, the port call aims to explore avenues for collaboration between the Indian Navy and the Royal Moroccan Navy. In the past year, three Indian Navy ships—INS Tabar, INS Tarkash, and INS Sumedha—visited Casablanca, significantly elevating mutual trust and interoperability between the two nations.
During the two-day visit, the crew of INS Tushil engaged in several professional exchanges with Royal Moroccan Navy personnel. Key activities included cross-deck visits, functional-level discussions, and goodwill events designed to deepen naval cooperation. Senior officials and distinguished guests were hosted onboard, furthering diplomatic engagement.
Highlighting the visit’s importance, the Indian Navy’s spokesperson shared on X : “#INSTushil on her maiden operational deployment enroute to #India, made a port call at Casablanca, Morocco on #27Dec24 and received a warm welcome by the #RoyalMoroccanNavy. Cross-deck visits, professional exchanges & friendly sports fixtures in harbour followed by joint exercises at sea planned with the host Navy. India-Morocco #BridgesofFriendship.”
PASSEX and Operational Objectives
Following the port call, INS Tushil and the Royal Moroccan Navy will participate in a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) at sea. These exercises are designed to improve interoperability between the two navies, allowing them to share best practices and enhance collaborative capabilities. Such engagements are pivotal for building operational synergy and mutual understanding.
INS Tushil’s deployment also includes collaborative exercises with other friendly navies during its journey to its home port in Karwar, India. These interactions underscore the Indian Navy’s focus on enhancing maritime security and fostering partnerships across regions.
India-Morocco Strategic Partnership
The visit of INS Tushil is emblematic of the growing partnership between India and Morocco, reflecting shared aspirations in regional and global contexts. Morocco’s geographical position as a bridge between Europe and Africa makes it a strategic partner for India in expanding its influence in these regions.
India and Morocco have cultivated robust ties across various domains, including defense, trade, energy, and food security. In defence, joint military exercises and intelligence-sharing initiatives have strengthened regional security, addressing shared challenges such as terrorism and maritime safety.
Economic and trade relations between the two nations have also witnessed significant growth. Bilateral trade increased from $2 billion in 2018-19 to $3.6 billion in 2022-23, driven by Moroccan exports of phosphates and raw materials and Indian exports of textiles, pharmaceuticals, and machinery.
The collaboration extends to renewable energy, where both countries prioritize sustainability. While Morocco leads Africa’s green energy initiatives, India continues to expand its global footprint in renewable technologies, fostering mutual benefits and aligning with broader environmental goals.
As INS Tushil continues its journey to Karwar, it serves as a symbol of India’s maritime capabilities and diplomatic outreach. The ship’s deployment underscores the importance of building bridges of friendship and fostering cooperation across borders. By engaging with the Royal Moroccan Navy and other international partners, INS Tushil reaffirms India’s role as a proactive and reliable global maritime partner.
Commissioned in Russia on December 9, 2024, INSL Tushil is the Indian Navy’s latest multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate. It is commanded by Captain Peter Varghese and is supported by a dedicated crew of 250 personnel. The ship’s visit underscores India’s commitment to fostering strong bilateral ties with Morocco, a nation strategically positioned with coastlines along both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
Elevating Mutual Trust and Interoperability
According to the Ministry of Defence, the port call aims to explore avenues for collaboration between the Indian Navy and the Royal Moroccan Navy. In the past year, three Indian Navy ships—INS Tabar, INS Tarkash, and INS Sumedha—visited Casablanca, significantly elevating mutual trust and interoperability between the two nations.
During the two-day visit, the crew of INS Tushil engaged in several professional exchanges with Royal Moroccan Navy personnel. Key activities included cross-deck visits, functional-level discussions, and goodwill events designed to deepen naval cooperation. Senior officials and distinguished guests were hosted onboard, furthering diplomatic engagement.
Highlighting the visit’s importance, the Indian Navy’s spokesperson shared on X : “#INSTushil on her maiden operational deployment enroute to #India, made a port call at Casablanca, Morocco on #27Dec24 and received a warm welcome by the #RoyalMoroccanNavy. Cross-deck visits, professional exchanges & friendly sports fixtures in harbour followed by joint exercises at sea planned with the host Navy. India-Morocco #BridgesofFriendship.”
PASSEX and Operational Objectives
Following the port call, INS Tushil and the Royal Moroccan Navy will participate in a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) at sea. These exercises are designed to improve interoperability between the two navies, allowing them to share best practices and enhance collaborative capabilities. Such engagements are pivotal for building operational synergy and mutual understanding.
INS Tushil’s deployment also includes collaborative exercises with other friendly navies during its journey to its home port in Karwar, India. These interactions underscore the Indian Navy’s focus on enhancing maritime security and fostering partnerships across regions.
India-Morocco Strategic Partnership
The visit of INS Tushil is emblematic of the growing partnership between India and Morocco, reflecting shared aspirations in regional and global contexts. Morocco’s geographical position as a bridge between Europe and Africa makes it a strategic partner for India in expanding its influence in these regions.
India and Morocco have cultivated robust ties across various domains, including defense, trade, energy, and food security. In defence, joint military exercises and intelligence-sharing initiatives have strengthened regional security, addressing shared challenges such as terrorism and maritime safety.
Economic and trade relations between the two nations have also witnessed significant growth. Bilateral trade increased from $2 billion in 2018-19 to $3.6 billion in 2022-23, driven by Moroccan exports of phosphates and raw materials and Indian exports of textiles, pharmaceuticals, and machinery.
The collaboration extends to renewable energy, where both countries prioritize sustainability. While Morocco leads Africa’s green energy initiatives, India continues to expand its global footprint in renewable technologies, fostering mutual benefits and aligning with broader environmental goals.
As INS Tushil continues its journey to Karwar, it serves as a symbol of India’s maritime capabilities and diplomatic outreach. The ship’s deployment underscores the importance of building bridges of friendship and fostering cooperation across borders. By engaging with the Royal Moroccan Navy and other international partners, INS Tushil reaffirms India’s role as a proactive and reliable global maritime partner.
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