Indian Naval Ship INS Sumitra welcomed people from different nationalities on board along with many other foreign navy ships berthed in Auckland to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN).
The weather turned out to be absolutely perfect, bright and sunny, for a Sunday afternoon, to bring people in large numbers to view different international ships open for public viewing.
Indian Weekender had an opportunity to meet with the ship Commander K. S. Sreesan at the ship who graciously greeted our team and spoke on a number of issues ranging from India's increasing maritime cooperation with the countries of South Pacific, including New Zealand, and India's overall "Act East" policy.
The new government in India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made its relations with East Asian neighbours a foreign policy priority under the "Act East" policy.
Commander Sreesan was enthusiastic to mention more about the INS Sumitra ship, its combat capabilities, and the role in India's overall maritime defence.
"INS Sumitra is a true reflection of Government of India's 'Make in India' initiative," said the Commander Sreesan.
The Make in India initiative was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September 2014 as part of a wider set of nation-building initiatives to transform India into a global design and manufacturing hub.
INS Sumitra is 100% indigenously built in Goa Shipyard Limited.
"Measuring about 105 meters in length, 13 meters in breadth and displacing 2200 tons, the ship can achieve a speed of 25 knots with an endurance of 6000 nautical miles," further said the Commander.
The ship is manned by 105 crew and 10 officers. It has several surface and antiaircraft weapons.
The primary role of the ship is to undertake surveillance of the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) besides other operational tasks such as anti-piracy patrols, fleet support operations, maritime security of off-shore assets and escort operations of high-value naval platforms.
"The ship is currently in high seas since last 50 days traveling different countries in the Pacific and reaching back India in December," said Commander Sreesan.
The ship is destined to travel Darwin in North Australia once departing Auckland.