Putin Extends Warm Greetings to INS Tabar During Russia's Navy Day Celebrations

In a significant gesture of maritime camaraderie, Russian President Vladimir Putin greeted the Indian Navy personnel aboard the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Tabar as it took part in Russia's Navy Day celebrations. This event, reported by Russia-based RT, underscores the deepening naval cooperation between Russia and India.

President Putin oversaw the Main Naval Parade on the Neva River in St. Petersburg, a grand event that has become a tradition since 2017 to honor the glorious victories and contributions of the Russian Navy in defending the Fatherland. The parade featured an impressive array of naval hardware, including 20 surface ships, four sailing vessels, a submarine, and various gunboats.

Among the Russian vessels participating were the Project 22800 Karakurt-class missile corvette Odintsovo, Project 20380 missile corvette Boiky, Project 12700 coastal minesweeper Alexander Obukhov, Project 21631 missile corvettes Grad, Naro-Fominsk, Grad Sviyazhsk, and Serpukhov, the Project 23550 icebreaking patrol ship Ivan Papanin, and the Project 636.3 Varshavyanka-class submarine Mozhaisk.

Foreign naval participation included the Indian Navy's frigate Tabar, the Algerian Navy's training ship Soummam, and the Chinese guided missile destroyer Jiaozuo. The event culminated with nearly 2,500 troops marching in foot columns on Senate Square in St. Petersburg, showcasing the strength and solidarity of the participating navies.

INS Tabar's arrival in St. Petersburg was marked by a warm welcome ceremony, highlighting the ship's role in strengthening maritime cooperation between India and Russia. This visit aligns with India's policy of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" or "the world is one family," emphasizing global unity and cooperation.

In a post on X, the Indian Navy spokesperson highlighted the significance of the event, stating, "#INSTabar, arrived at St Petersburg, Russia to a warm welcome ceremony by the #RuFN. The ship's visit to Russia includes participation in 328th #RussianNavyDay celebration, professional interactions & conduct of PASSEX b/n both navies."

INS Tabar, a stealth frigate built in Russia for the Indian Navy, boasts a versatile range of weapons and sensors, making it one of the early stealth frigates in the Indian fleet. It is part of the Indian Navy's Western Fleet, based in Mumbai under the Western Naval Command, and plays a crucial role in enhancing India's maritime capabilities.

The participation of INS Tabar in Russia's Navy Day celebrations is a testament to the enduring naval ties and strategic partnership between the two nations, reflecting their mutual commitment to maintaining peace and security in the maritime domain.