For the first time in the history of the two countries, the Turkish Navy and the Indian Navy will be conducting a joint exercise at an advanced level. This, the top brass of both the navies say, will go a long way in enhancing ties between India and Turkey.
Talking to the media on Friday, Rear Admiral Sinan Ertugrul from the Turkish Naval Forces Command said, “The exercise will have manoeuvring of warships at a highly advanced stage. There will also be several excises related to manoeuvrings of submarines.” This joint exercise will be held at the approach point of Mumbai in the Arabian Sea on July 10. Currently, four warships from the Turkish Navy and the Turkish Maritime Task Group are in Mumbai on a four-day visit to India. The ships that are berthed in the Mumbai harbour are TCG Barbaros, TCG Gemlik, TCG Gelibolu and TCG YBK Gungor. Two frigates and a submarine will be taking part in the exercise on the part of the Indian Navy.