French naval frigate arrives in Mumbai
By IANSThursday, August 26, 2010
MUMBAI - A French Naval Ship, ‘FNS Dupleix’, arrived at the Mumbai port Thursday on a four-day visit, officials said.
The 130-metre-long 4,800-tonne frigate with a crew of 232 is commanded by Capt. Bernard Velly and will be in Mumbai till Aug 30.
Later, it will take part in a naval exercise in the Varuna series with Indian ships, INS Brahmaputra and submarine INS Shankush.
The exercises among the three ships - FNS Dupleix and INS Brahmaputra and INS Shankush - would also include advanced anti-submarine exercises off Mumbai.
The navies of India and France, through the Varuna series, have built up high levels of interoperability.
During the ship’s stay in Mumbai, its crew would interact with the naval hierarchy of the Western Naval Command besides cross visits of the Indian and French navy personnel.
The indigenously-built Indian frigate, INS Brahmaputra is hosting FNS Dupleix and will organise a friendly football match between teams drawn from both the ships’ crew, besides a reception.
