SOURCE: AFI
The Islamic Republic of Iran Navy ships Bushehr and Tonb, commanded by Commander Mahdi Balvardi and Commander Mohammad Hajizadeh respectively, visited Mumbai, India from March 15th to 18th, 2024. Captain Hasan Beygi served as the Mission Commander for the visit.
The Iranian vessels, part of a training flotilla with 240 officer cadets on board, were received with a traditional Indian welcome upon arrival. This visit highlights the importance of training for the Iranian Navy, with the cadets gaining valuable experience at sea.
The Mission Commander and Commanding Officers, along with Colonel Hasan Momeni, the Iranian Defence Attaché, met with Rear Admiral CR Praveen Nair, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet (FOCWF). This meeting facilitated discussions on topics of mutual interest, potentially paving the way for future collaboration between the Indian and Iranian Navies.
The visit wasn’t limited to official meetings. A series of social engagements were organized to foster camaraderie between the Indian and Iranian personnel. These interactions, which included an educational tour of the Mumbai Naval Dockyard for the Iranian cadets, helped build cultural understanding and strengthen ties between the two nations.
The presence of His Excellency Davoud Rezaei Eskandari, the Consul General of Iran, during the ship visit underscored the diplomatic significance of the event. This visit served as a platform to promote friendly relations between Iran and India.