INS Sunayna visited Mombasa, Kenya from 20 - 23 Jun 2023 towards strengthening bilateral ties with maritime neighbours on theme of Ocean Ring of Yoga. On arrival, ship was received by reps from High Commission of India. The Commanding Officer called upon Brigadier Y S Abdi, Deputy Commander of Kenya Navy and highlighted significance of Yoga towards bringing world together. On occasion of International Day of Yoga 23 on 21 Jun 2023, a joint Yoga session was conducted onboard with participation of Indian Navy personnel and Kenyan Defence Forces. Later, Maritime Partnership Exercise was conducted between two navies. The crew of both Indian and Kenya Navy conducted drills in Firefighting and Damage Control, boarding exercises, asymmetric threat simulations and VBSS during harbour phase. HADR capsule was also conducted onboard for Kenya Navy. A reception in honour of General Francis Ogolla, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Kenyan Defence Forces was hosted onboard INS Sunayna by VAdm Sanjay Mahindru, DCNS. The event was attended by HE Ms Namgya Khampa, High Commissioner of India, Nairobi. During his address, CDF conveyed his gratitude towards friendly gesture by Indian Navy in training Kenya Navy personnel and expressed his commitment towards continuous cooperation between both countries. DCNS gifted 200 life jackets to Maj Gen Jimson Muthai, Commander of Kenya Navy. In line with Indian Navy's social outreach activities and community wellbeing, provisions were distributed to an orphanage at Mombasa. On departure from Mombasa, INS Sunayna undertook Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with Kenya Naval Ship Jasiri on 23 Jun 2023. The visit to Mombasa reaffirms strong and long standing relationship between India and Kenya and will further consolidate bilateral cooperation in maritime domain.
