Frontline Indian warship anchors at Israeli port

India's latest frontline warship INS Trikand today anchored at this northern coastal city of Israel on a port call to strengthen "service-to- service linkages," in yet another sign of strengthening of bilateral defence ties.
"The Indian warship will be at the Haifa port till August 22 during which Israeli defence officials will be visiting and exchanging ideas with the visiting Indian officials," said officials here.
"The Indian Navy officials will also be seeing some of the Israeli naval ships. INS Trikand will then leave for Valencia in Spain after the four day visit."
During the four-day stay here, professional interactions, and sports and social engagements are planned to enhance the understanding between the two navies.

Indian Navy ships have often paid visits to ports in West Asia, including Haifa, reaffirming their peaceful presence and solidarity with the countries in the region.
Since the establishment of full diplomatic ties between India and Israel in 1992, bilateral interactions between the two countries have seen rapid growth across a broad spectrum.

"The bilateral relationship has thrived on the common principles of democracy, liberal outlook and similar strengths of the knowledge industry," an official statement in New Delhi said.
"Within this conducive environment of warmth and friendship, defence and agriculture have become the main pillars of bilateral engagements. India has acquired critical defence technologies from Israel, notable among them being the Barak-I missile system for the Navy."

INS Trikand, commanded by Captain Vinay Kalia, is the latest warship of the Navy equipped with a versatile range of weapons and sensors enabling to address threats in all the three dimensions -- air, surface and sub-surface.
Indian Navy has also been at the forefront in providing humanitarian assistance to victims of natural disaster across the world.
Four Indian Navy warships -- INS Mumbai, Trishul, Gomti and Aditya -- had visited the port of Haifa last in August 2012.