ANSWER: INS Shardul
Explanation:
In keeping with India’s national objective of ensuring a secure and stable regional environment to allow unhindered economic and social development, not just in India, but also in the Indian Ocean Region, Indian Naval Ship Shardul is on a two month long deployment in the South Indian Ocean.
It has an aim to provide surveillance support in the region.
The warship is under the command of Commander Rohit Mishra.
Deployment was aimed to show presence, deter IUU fishing and drug trafficking.
Since 2009, Indian Navy has been deploying ships to the region bi-annually to assist in patrolling of the vast EEZ of the country based on request by host nations.
The last such deployment was by the same ship in Dec 16. These committed and custom made deployments for joint patrol by Indian Navy Ships with the Coast Guard of the host nation underscore the strong relationship and cherished bonds of friendship between the nations of the region.
INS Shardul: Know More
- INS Shardul is a Landing Ship Tank (Large) of the Indian Navy
- Its primary role is to transport troops, vehicles, armaments and accomplish all objectives of an amphibious operation which primarily includes landing of combat equipment and personnel to an Amphibious Objective Area.
- INS Shardul has the capability to launch and recover Marine Commandos through sea as well as by helicopters.
- In addition, the ship can act as a ‘Hospital Ship’ with facilities provided in containerised form as well as a ‘Fleet Tanker’ for limited mission/ exercise.
- The ship is routinely deployed with the First Training Squadron and is responsible for the ab-initio sea training of Young Officers of Indian Navy.
