A section of the Western Fleet based at Mumbai, visited the Mediterranean region in July 2006 covering ports in Israel, Turkey, Egypt, Libya and Greece. Three Indian warships (INS Mumbai, INS Betwa and INS Brahmaputra) and one replenishment tanker (INS Shakti) visited the port of Piraeus in Athens (Greece) from July 9th to 13th. The Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, Vice Admiral Sangram Singh Byce also visited Athens from July 8th to 12th to coincide with the Western Fleet visit. Vice Admiral Byce and his delegation had meetings with Deputy National Defense Minister Vassilis Michaloliakos and with the Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff - Admiral Panagiotis Hinofotis - as well as his counterparts from the Hellenic Navy. He also visited the Hellenic Naval base at Salamis and the Naval Academy in Piraeus. The Indian delegation also visited the Phaleron War Cemetery and paid ceremonial tribute to Indian servicemen who died in Greece during World War II. The ships were open to public visits, and a reception was held on board the flagship INS Mumbai on July 11th, at which the guests were treated to a display of colourful Bhangra dances and dynamic martial arts Kalaripayattu performed by the ship's crew. A fine performance by the ship's band made a strong impression on the guests. Members from the Cerebral Palsy Association of Greece also visited INS Mumbai and were entertained by the Indian sailors.

Images © Indian Navy