Indian Navy Keen To Expand Co-op With Iran

New Delhi, Dec 7, IRNA – Commander of India’s West Navy underlined the need for the further expansion of cooperation with Iranian Navy in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean. Admiral Shekar Sinha on Thursday welcomed the entry of Iran’s 28th Flotilla accompanied by Younus submarine at Mumbai port and met commander of the 28th Flotilla Babak Balouch. Admiral Sinha voiced his readiness for expansion of ties with the Iranian Navy, and said, “The Indian Navy has full readiness to expand relations between the two countries’ navies and exchange of a flotilla to Bandar Abbas port.” He underlined that the two countries can set a framework for joint naval cooperation and providing the security of cargo ships in India’s Western waters. “The two countries’ navies have many potential for joint cooperation and we welcome expansion of such collaboration,” Admiral Sinha said. Captain Balouch, for his part, briefed Admiral Sinha about the 28th Flotilla’s missions and duties. The Iranian commander also stressed on the importance of expansion of mutual cooperation to protect the regional security for safe passage of cargo ships./end