India to transfer INS Tillanchang to Maldives

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: India will transfer a Fast Attack Craft (FAC) to Maldives in keeping with the country's maritime diplomacy, an official release said here.

The Union Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee would hand over the ship to Maldivian President on April 16.

The `INS Tillanchang' would decommission from the Indian Navy to join the Maldives' National Security Service (NSS), providing them enhanced capabilities for patrolling and monitoring their Exclusive Economic Zone.

The ship is designed to detect, locate and destroy fast-moving surface craft and for anti-smuggling, fisheries protection and search and rescue operations. It is also capable of mobilising a 'naval quick reaction team' of up to 35 men at short notice.

The ship of the Trinkat class has its main armament in an indigenous 30 mm gun, manufactured by Ordnance factory in Medak. Two boats had been provided onboard to facilitate rapid interception in shallow waters and life-saving tasks.

The ship had completed five years of service in the Indian Navy and had been instrumental in safeguarding the territorial waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone.

The Indian Navy would position a team of personnel for initial and on-job training of Maldives crew. The Naval band is scheduled to perform at Male and a joint concert in ensemble with the NSS musicians was also planned, the release said.