In a notable development, the Russian submarine ‘Ufa’ docked at Kochi port in Kerala on Tuesday, receiving a warm welcome from the Indian Navy.
The Defence Public Relations Officer shared information and photos of the welcoming ceremony. The submarine’s arrival coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Kazan, Russia, for the 16th BRICS Summit.
The Russian Embassy previously announced that a detachment from the Russian Navy’s Pacific Fleet, including the diesel-electric submarine Ufa and the rescue tug Alatau, arrived at Kochi for a business call.
This is not the first visit by Russian naval vessels to Kochi. In August, Russian warships, including the missile cruiser Varyag and the frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov, docked at the port as part of their long-distance mission. During their stay, the crews replenished supplies, enjoyed sightseeing, and engaged in friendly naval drills with their Indian counterparts.
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Kochi, located on Kerala’s southwestern coast along the Arabian Sea, has become a regular stop for Russian naval ships. The docking of Ufa is part of the Pacific Fleet’s broader mission, which began on January 22, 2024. Throughout this mission, the fleet’s crews have conducted extensive combat training and day-to-day operations at sea. In addition to India, they have also visited ports in Sri Lanka, Iran, Qatar, and Eritrea.
In July, the Indian Navy participated in Russia’s Navy Day celebrations in St. Petersburg. The frontline frigate INS Tabar from the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet took part in the 328th Navy Day maritime parade, reinforcing the strong defence ties between India and Russia. The Russian Navy extended a warm welcome to the Indian warship during this significant event.
These exchanges and visits reflect the deepening cooperation between the Indian and Russian navies, which have long maintained strong ties in defence and maritime security. As these naval interactions continue, they underscore the enduring partnership between the two countries.
