Indian Naval Ship (INS) Imphal has arrived in Port Louis, Mauritius, making its maiden visit to the island nation ahead of the 57th Mauritius National Day celebrations on March 12, 2025. The presence of the Indian warship marks a continuation of India’s longstanding tradition of participating in this momentous occasion, reflecting the deep-rooted ties between the two nations.
INS Imphal will play a key role in the celebrations, contributing a marching contingent, a naval band, and a helicopter flypast at the National Day Parade at Champs de Mars. Adding further significance to the event, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the Chief Guest, highlighting the enduring friendship between India and Mauritius.
Beyond ceremonial engagements, the ship’s visit, from March 10 to March 14, will feature a series of training exchanges, friendly sporting events, and community outreach activities aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation. In a move underscoring India’s commitment to regional maritime security, INS Imphal will also conduct a joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance exercise with the Mauritius Coast Guard, reinforcing efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region.
This engagement is a testament to India’s ‘Neighborhood First’ policy and the vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), an initiative introduced by Prime Minister Modi a decade ago in Mauritius. The commitment to maritime collaboration was first demonstrated on March 12, 2015, when the MCGS Barracuda, the first Indian-built warship for the Mauritius National Coast Guard, was commissioned. The deployment of INS Imphal in 2025 further cements this enduring maritime partnership.
Commissioned in December 2023, INS Imphal is one of the four Project 15B (Visakhapatnam-class) indigenous destroyers. With state-of-the-art weapons, sensors, and advanced machinery, the warship stands as one of the most sophisticated vessels of its kind, symbolizing India’s growing naval capabilities.
As Mauritius marks its National Day, the presence of INS Imphal serves as a powerful reminder of the strong historical, political, economic, and cultural ties that bind the two nations. This visit not only celebrates shared heritage but also reinforces India’s unwavering commitment to a secure and prosperous Indian Ocean region.
