Two Indian destroyers arrive at Kuwait

KUN0042 4 GEN 0304 KUWAIT /KUNA-RBB0 MIL-KUWAIT-INDIA Two Indian destroyers arrive at Kuwait By Bassam Almusallam KUWAIT, Dec 27 (KUNA) -- Two Indian naval ships INS "Delhi" and INS "Mumbai" arrived at the Kuwaiti port of Shuwaikh Saturday on a goodwill visit until the 31st of the month, said a press release issued by the Indian Embassy here. During a press conference held in the Indian Embassy here on the occassion of the visit , the Indian Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet (FOCWF) Rear Admiral Vijay Shankar said that the visit aims at ensuring bilateral interests of his country and Kuwait, the second largest exporter of oil to India. Shankar, a specialist in Navigation and Direction, also stressed the historical Kuwaiti-Indian relations as both countries are important trading partners. "In today's age and time, the most important thing for governments is to start looking at what is beneficial for both parties," he said. In respond to a question on the military cooperation between Kuwait and India, the Indian officer said that "there has not been very much", adding that there are many opportunities for such cooperation in the future. He also said that the visit includes meetings with Kuwaiti colleagues, indicating that the Indian fleet made some 15 visits to the Gulf region. The "Mumbai" destroyer has a crew of about 30 officers and 300 sailors whereas "Delhi" includes a crew of about 350 personnel, he added. The press conference was attended by commanding officers of "Mumbai" and "Delhi" Captain Anand Kalaskar and Captain Robin Dhowan. India has had naval cooperation and exercises with several countries in the region including the UAE, Oman and Iran. The last goodwill visit to Kuwaiti by two Indian Naval ships INS "TIR" and INS "SUJATA" was during October 2002. (end) bsm KUNA 271406 Dec 03NNNN