PERMANENT DEPLOYMENT OF U.K. SHIP IN INDO-PACIFIC REGION

The Royal Navy’s offshore patrol vessel, HMS Tamar, sailed to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Friday as part of its permanent deployment in the Indo-Pacific.
India is the first port of call for the ship and underlines the United Kingdom and India’s intent to collaborate in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and wider Indo-Pacific, the U.K. High Commission said in a statement.
“Over the next five days, the ship and her crew will undertake capability demonstrations and maritime exercises with the Indian Navy,” the statement said. HMS Tamar is one of two Royal Navy vessels on permanent deployment as set out in the U.K.’s Integrated Review.
“The work HMS Tamar and her crew are doing with allies, partners and friends across the Indo-Pacific is crucial. As threats to global peace and stability mount, the Royal Navy values deeply its relationship with the Indian Navy in a shared endeavour to confront those who challenge the rules-based system and ensure peace and prosperity on and from the sea,” First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Ben Key, said.
Acting British High Commissioner to India, Christina Scott, said: “HMS Tamar’s deployment is the U.K.’s Indo-Pacific tilt in action and its visit, further evidence of the importance we attach to defence and security relationship with India”.
“It is imperative that it remains free and open to all in support of trade, shared security and values,” she added.

SOURCE: THE HINDU, THE ECONOMIC TIMES, PIB

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