The Indian Navy Ship (INS) Sujata and Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Veera successfully concluded their February 14 to 17 port call at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, announced the Indian embassy in Cambodia.

During the port call, an Indian Navy delegation engaged in several high-level meetings, including courtesy calls on the Commander of the Royal Cambodian Navy, the Commander of the Ream Naval Base and the Deputy Governor of Preah Sihanouk Province.

Officers from both the Indian and Cambodian navies also participated in various interactive activities.

INS Sujata is a large offshore patrol vessel. Equipped with a light helicopter, it is primarily used to patrol India’s exclusive economic zone, as well as for surveillance and training roles.

At 101 metres stem-to-stern, it is capable of being up-armed for use as a light frigate. It entered service in 1993.

Commissioned in 2019, the ICGS Veera is a lighter, faster offshore patrol vessel, and also carries a light helicopter.

During the port call, Indian ambassador to Cambodia Vanlalvawna Bawitlung hosted a reception aboard the Veera, alongside Captain Anshul Kishore, senior officer of the 1st Training Squadron.

The event was attended by senior dignitaries from Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence, the Royal Cambodian Navy, various Cambodian ministries and members of the diplomatic corps.

Accoring to the Indian embassy, port calls by Indian naval and coast guard vessels are an important component of India’s defence cooperation with Cambodia.

A total of 24 Indian naval ships have taken part in 17 port calls to the Kingdom.

INS Sujata also carried and delivered an Infantry Weapon Training Simulator system, which was gifted to the Royal Cambodian Army (RCA) by the Indian Army to aid in the RCA’s training activities.

“The successful port call by INS Sujata and ICGS Veera reinforces the growing defence cooperation between India and Cambodia,” added the embassy.