Indian Coast Guard Ship VARAHA completed its three-day visit to Maputo (6-9 Nov 2026) and casted off for Dar es Salaam. Under the command of Captain RS Rana, the Indian military vessel undertook various joint training activities with Mozambique Navy during the visit including Navigation, VBSS, Bridge Integration and Search & Rescue table-top exercise. Representatives of INMAR, ITRANSMAR and Mozambique Navy also witnessed harbour demonstration of pollution response equipment onboard ICGS VARAHA.

A deck reception was hosted by the Indian High Commission and the visiting ship on 06 November 2026 which was graced by the Commander of Mozambique Navy, Rear Admiral Bernardo Estevao Nchokomala as the chief guest and attended by members of the diplomatic community, military fraternity and Indian diaspora based in Maputo. High Commissioner Robert Shetkintong stated that Maritime Cooperation is a key pillar of bilateral defence cooperation between the two nations which share the same water of Indian Ocean and are thereby stakeholders in regional peace and security. Rear Admiral Bernardo Estevao Nchokomala thanked India for supporting capacity building of Mozambique Navy and expressed satisfaction with the growth and diversification of bilateral maritime cooperation. The Indian Defence Adviser, Colonel Puneet Attri announced donation of critical naval spares aimed at extending the operational life of Mozambique Navy’s fleet of interceptor boats and fast interceptor crafts that continue to play a crucial role in military operations in the north of the country. The Indian High Commissioner handed over the donations to the Commander of Mozambique Navy.

India and Mozambique share a robust maritime partnership which has grown stronger in the recent years. India has consistently expressed its commitment to help and support its maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean Region in line with the vision of SAGAR, which stands for Security and Growth for All in the Region.