Indian Naval Ship (INS) 'Mysore', a guided missile destroyer of the Indian Navy, will arrive at Hamad Port on Wednesday.

This was announced by the Indian embassy in Doha on Tuesday.

A press statement issued by the embassy noted that Indian naval ships have been frequently visiting Qatar in the framework of the deep-rooted friendly ties and multi-faceted and growing co-operation between India and the State of Qatar".

INS 'Mysore' (D60) is the second ship of the Delhi-class guided missile destroyers and was commissioned into the Indian Navy on June 2, 1999. One of the largest warships designed and built in India, she displaces 6,700 tonnes and is capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots (about 55kmph).

Equipped with an array of weapon and sensors, the ship is capable of addressing and neutralising threats from the air, sea and undersea. The ship’s combat power is supplemented by two helicopters.

Named after the historic city of Mysuru in southern India, 'Mysore' is the second ship in the Indian Navy to bear the same name. Her illustrious predecessor served the Indian Navy with distinction from 1957 till 1985, remaining at the forefront of every major campaign that the navy undertook during this period.

The ship is currently deployed in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman for Operation ‘Sankalp’ to support the safe transit of Indian-flagged merchant ships through the Gulf region. The ship’s deployment in the region is in pursuance of the Indian Navy’s commitment towards ensuring the safety of Indian Flag Merchant vessels, the statement adds.

'Mysore' has a crew of 40 officers and 300 sailors who abide by the ship’s motto, ‘Always Fearless’. The ship is currently being commanded by Capt Prakash Gopalan.     

"While the ship’s visit to Qatar is a testimony to the friendly ties between India and Qatar, it also highlights the Indian Navy’s commitment to build co-operative partnerships with friendly nations of the Indian Ocean region to develop solutions to meet maritime challenges," the statement adds.

Source: The Gulf Times