Mon Dec 23 14:25:18 UTC 2024: ## Indian Navy’s Stealth Frigate Makes Maiden Port Call in London
**London, UK – December 24, 2024** – The Indian Navy’s newest warship, the INS Tushil, a multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate, made its first international port call in London on Sunday, December 21st. The visit, part of the ship’s maiden operational deployment, signifies the strong naval cooperation between India and the UK.
Commodore Robert Bellfield, Royal Navy Commander London and Eastern England, welcomed the ship on behalf of the UK government. He praised the visit as a demonstration of the close relationship between the two navies and their shared interests. India’s Deputy High Commissioner to the UK, Sujit Ghosh, also visited the vessel before its departure on Monday evening.
Commissioned on December 9th in the presence of India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the INS Tushil, built in Russia, embarked on its journey from Kaliningrad on December 17th. Its voyage includes traversing the Baltic, North, and Atlantic Oceans before reaching the Indian Ocean. The ship will make several port calls at friendly nations along the way.
The Indian Ministry of Defence stated that this deployment will encompass diplomatic, military, and constabulary activities. The INS Tushil will participate in joint patrols and maritime exercises with various navies, including operations in piracy-prone regions. Port calls will also involve capability-building activities with host navies, interactions with senior leadership, and engagement with the Indian diaspora. The overall aim is to strengthen India’s maritime cooperation and commitment to safeguarding seafarers.
First Piper 