The Commanding Officer of the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sarvekshak handed over the Navigational Chart ‘Approaches to Grand-Port’ to the Government of Mauritius in the presence of the Minister of Housing and Lands, Mr Purmanund Jhugroo and the High Commissioner of India to Mauritius Mr Abhay Thakur as well as other eminent personalities. The ceremony was held onboard the vessel on 26 January 2018 and coincided with the celebration of the 69th Republic Day of India. INS Sarvekshak prepared the navigational chart after completing its one month deployment in Mauritian waters.
In his address, the Minister of Housing and Lands highlighted the cultural affinities and long historical ties between India and Mauritius that have contributed to a strong and cordial relationship. He recalled that in 2005 Mauritius signed a Memorandum of Understanding with India, which has since been renewed, to promote hydrography and to enhance capacity building. Speaking on the various projects being implemented jointly by the two Republics, Mr Jhugroo underlined the strong commercial and economic ties which have been reinforced with the signature of the Comprehensive Economic Co-operation and Partnership Agreement at the end of the third round of talks held from 22 to 24 January 2018 in Mauritius.
The vital role of hydrography for a maritime state like Mauritius with its 2.3 million km2 Exclusive Economic Zone was also underlined by the Minister. He pointed out that hydrographic services and navigational charts are the primary tools for ensuring safety of navigation and sea borne trade in Mauritian waters. For the exploration and exploitation of the potential marine resources, it is imperative that systematic data be collected in the surrounding oceans, he added.
While commending the Indian Government for its assistance, Mr Jhugroo expressed gratitude to the Commanding Officer of INS Sarvekshak, Captain Peush Pawsey, and his crew for a job, he deemed well done. The Minister was appreciative that the Indian vessel pursued its mission in the Mauritian waters undeterred, regardless that tropical cyclone Berguitta passed near the shores of the island at that time. I would like to make a special mention that despite the inclement weather and the rough seas, the ship successfully completed the scheduled tasks, and the results are here for us to see, he stated.
For his part, Captain Peush Pawsey reported that the hydrographic surveys were successfully completed in all respects and that the navigational chart of the region would soon be published by the Chief Hydrographer to the Government of India. Concerning the data collection on the South Eastern part of Mauritius, Captain Pawsey announced that several new features were found and were accurately charted using the high end survey equipment of the Indian vessel. Acknowledging the support and participation of personnel from Mauritius throughout the mission, the Captain thanked the country for the warm hospitality extended.
INS Sarvekshak in Mauritian waters
INS Sarvekshak, in its sixth visit to Mauritius, arrived on 30 December 2017 to undertake the joint hydrographic survey of Grand Port as well as collect data in the South Eastern part of the island for scientific research, and to provide training to local officers.
INS Sarvekshak also handed a fully operational survey motor boat to the Ministry of Housing and Lands to replace the Inshore Survey Vessel (ISV) Pathfinder, gifted by the Indian Government in 2013 and which recently developed defects. The defective boat will be returned to Mauritius following repairs to be carried out in India.
The crew of INS Sarvekshak moreover offered relief material consisting of provisions, clothes, medicines and other items as token of solidarity and friendship, following the passage of cyclone Berguitta.
Source: Government of Mauritius