The captain of the Indian Navy Ship (INS) Sahyadri, which berthed in the Port of Suva yesterday morning hopes to have fruitful discussions with the Fijian Navy this week.

Captain (Navy) Shantanu Jha said this was the INS Sahyadri’s first visit to Fiji.

With 290 officers and sailors on board the stealth multi-role frigate is here on a goodwill visit.

“The ship is visiting Fiji en-route to India after its participation in the RIMPAC at Hawaii,” Captain Jha said

“The biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) is the world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise, held from June 27 to August 2, 2018.”

“We are excited to meet the Fijian people throughout our visit. Onboard we have one medical officer and three assistant medical officers,” Captain Jha said.

“This ship is one of the latest warships and it can carry an average of 300 people.

“Some of the crew has been to Fiji before, but for me it is my first time.

“Tomorrow (today) we will be having yoga on the deck of the ship and from 10am to 4pm is our open day and this is when the public can come onboard.

“On the 15th we will be celebrating India’s 72nd Independence Day (on board the ship),” he said.

Captain Shantanu Jha (left) with Commander Amit Sinha onboard the the Indian Navy Ship (INS) Sahyadri at Port of Suva. August 13, 2018.. August 13, 2018. Photo: Wati Talebula

He said Fijians should take advantage of the free medical screening being offered.

The public is invited for free health screening tomorrow at Ratu Sukuna Park from 10am to 4.30pm.

Today is the only day the ship will be open to the public for an onboard tour.

Those who wish to be part of it must carry their Identification Card (ID) with them.

The INS Sahyadri has been at sea for three months of a five-month tour and leaves on Thursday for Australia.

Edited by: Epineri Vula

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