Indian battleship to improve relations between TT and India

INDIAN High Commissioner Verendra Gupta said the arrival of Indian Naval Ship INS Tabar marks not only improved relations between Trinidad and Tobago and India but also serves to display the extent to which India has developed as a nation since indentured labourers left that country for the Caribbean.

The vessel is on its maiden voyage after being built in St Petersburg, Russia. The 45-day-old Tabar is equipped with surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, and a CIWS Complex capable of firing 10,000 rounds of ammunition per minute. “We were tremendously excited to bring an Indian battleship to Trinidad after 20 years. We see this as an opportunity to underscore the close ties between India and Trinidad and Tobago. We are trying to develop this relationship in the most comprehensive way possible,” said Gupta. Gupta said the visit was significant because of the large population of East Indian descendants living in this country.

Commanding officer of the vessel, Captain Thapliyal, described the visit as a “goodwill mission.” “This is an opportunity for the sailors to see places that are not on our usual routes,” he added. The Indian sailors will take part in a series of activities during their three-day visit, including cricket and basketball matches versus the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, as well as several charitable activities. The public is invited for extensive tours of the vessel at the Cruise Ship Complex.