Indian naval ship INS Visakhapatnam on Sunday docked at Al-Shuwaikh Port as part of a three-day stay in Kuwait.

The visit of INS Visakhapatnam will open “doors to Indian Community in Kuwait”.
Ship tours and crew interactions will spread positivity during the three-day stay of INS Vishakhapatnam at Shuwaikh port, the Indian embassy in Kuwait posted on social media.
The visit also adds a new chapter to the bilateral navy-to-navy cooperation between India and Kuwait, a press release issued by the Indian Embassy said.

The ship was accorded a warm welcome on arrival by Kuwait’s senior naval officials, Kuwait border guards, and Indian embassy officials.

Indian school students also greeted INS Visakhapatnam enthusiastically by waving Indian flags.

“Indian Naval Ship INS Visakhapatnam arrives at Al-Shuwaikh Port, Kuwait for Operational Turn-Around. Warmly received by Kuwait Naval Forces, Border Guards, Indian Embassy, and enthusiastic school children waving the tricolor,” posted the Indian embassy in Kuwait on X, formerly Twitter.

Ambassador of India to Kuwait, Adarsh Swaika, was received onboard the ship by Rear Admiral McCarthy and Captain Rao.

He was briefed about the ship’s operations and its state-of-art systems.

“Amb @AdarshSwaika1 was received onboard the ship by Rear Admiral McCarthy and Captain Rao of INS Vishakapatnam. Ambassador was given a briefing on the ship’s operations and its advanced systems. Bilateral naval cooperation continues to be the main facet of defense cooperation,” the post read.

“INS Visakhapatnam opens doors to Indian Community in Kuwait. Ship tours and crew interactions spread positivity during a three-day stay at Shuwaikh Port. #IndiaKuwait #NavalDiplomacy #CommunityConnect #NavalHospitality @MEAIndia @IndianDiplomacy,” India in Kuwait posted on X.

Later, a Yoga session was also organised by the Indian embassy for the crew members of INS Visakhapatnam.

“Yoga for Peace and Harmony. A revitalizing yoga session was organized by the Embassy of India, Kuwait, for the crew of INS Visakhapatnam docked at Shuwaikh Port. The crew embraced the calming practice and expressed deep gratitude for promoting well-being and unity,” the Indian Embassy in Kuwait posted on X.

India and Kuwait enjoy traditionally friendly relations, rooted in history, and have stood the test of time. India has been a natural trading partner of Kuwait and until 1961 Indian Rupee was the legal tender in Kuwait. Till the discovery and development of oil, Kuwait’s economy revolved around its fine harbor and maritime activities which included shipbuilding, pearl diving, fishing and voyages to India on wooden dhows carrying dates, Arabian horses, and pearls that were traded for wood, cereals, clothes, and spices, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

Earlier, on August 14, Swaika called on the Naval Chief of Kuwait Brigadier General Hazza Al-Alati, and held discussions on strengthening Navy-to-Navy cooperation between India and Kuwait.

“Amb @AdarshSwaika1 called on the Chief of Naval Forces of Kuwait H.E Brigadier General Hazza Al-Alati. Discussions pertained to further strengthening navy-to-navy cooperation. Ambassador thanked him for the support for the upcoming visit of the Indian naval ship Vishakhapatnam,” India in Kuwait posted on X.