Algerian Navy Patrol Ship El Moutassadi visited Mumbai from 13 to 16 Mar 23. The ship is under the command of Commandant Takia Fouad and Colonel Arabi Belhamed, Commander of the Anti-Submarine Division of the Algerian Navy and Senior Officer present onboard. Algerian Navy ships had earlier visited Kochi in 2016.
Mr. Adel Bouda, Chargé d’ Affaires, Embassy of Algeria, New Delhi, Colonel Arabi Belhamed, Senior Officer present onboard and Commandant Takia Fouad, the Commanding Officer, called on Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Western Naval Command on 15 Mar 23 and interacted with him over several matters of mutual interest. During the stay at Mumbai, professional interactions were held wherein both sides gained immensely from their experience-sharing. The crew also visited the Heritage Museum at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai and the Aircraft Carrier Dock.
Over the decades, India and Algeria have cooperated in various international forums and initiatives, most notably the Non-Aligned Movement, and supported each other in numerous international events. It is hoped that the visit of El Moutassadi will strengthen cooperation between the two navies and enhance their interoperability in the maritime domain further. Both navies nurture an abiding interest in maintaining peace and stability in their respective regions and remain committed to working together to further this objective.
