By IANS,
Mumbai : Four naval ships from Turkey docked off Mumbai Thursday evening on a four-day goodwill visit to the city, an official said here Friday.
The ships – TCG Barbaros, TCG YB Kudret Gungor, TCG Gemlik and TCG Gelibolu – are headed by Rear Admiral A. Sinan Ertugrul, Commander, Turkish Naval Maritime Task Group.
There are around 950 Turkish naval personnel on the visiting ships. The visit is described as ‘historical’ since it is the first time that four Turkish naval ships are visiting India.
Rear Admiral Ertugrul interacted with Rear Admiral Girish Luthra, the Flag Officer Commanding of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet.
The visiting ships, along with front line ships of the Western Naval Command, are scheduled to participate in combined naval operations July 11-12, on the return passage of the Turkish ships.
This bilateral operational interaction between the two Navies in the North Arabian Sea would enhance existing inter-operability, an official spokesperson said.
India and Turkey enjoy historical and rich cordial relations and the current visit by the naval ships is a milestone towards fostering good relations between the two countries in general and the two Navies in particular, the official said.