INDIA. Mumbai: The Buque Armada Peruana (B.A.P.) Unión, a Sail Training Tall Ship of the Peruvian Navy, has made a goodwill visit to Mumbai from October 31 to Sunday, November 5, marking a significant event as India and Peru celebrate the 60th year of their diplomatic relations.
Upon its arrival in Mumbai on October 31, the ship paid homage to the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command by firing a salute of 15 ceremonial gun salvos. In return, the ship received a traditional welcome with an Indian Navy band in attendance.
The firing of gun salutes is a long-standing maritime tradition symbolizing respect and is extended to the senior naval officer when a warship enters a naval harbor for the first time. This tradition is still practiced today, and modern warships are equipped with ceremonial guns for this purpose.
Concurrently, Javier Manuel Paulinich Velarde, the Ambassador of Peru to India, is also in Mumbai during the visit of B.A.P. Union. The Ambassador engaged in discussions with Vice Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, aboard the Peruvian ship.
As a part of the visit, the Commanding Officer of B.A.P. Union laid a wreath at Gaurav Stambh, situated at the Naval Dockyard in South Mumbai, and met with Rear Admiral Kunal Singh Rajkumar, Chief Staff Officer (Operations) at Headquarters Western Naval Command on November 1.
During their interaction, various aspects of mutual interest, training, and the potential for enhancing maritime cooperation between the two navies were discussed.
While the ship is in harbor, personnel from both navies will engage in professional exchanges to share best practices. Additionally, the Indian and Peruvian navies will participate in a beach clean-up drive at Girgaon Chowpatty in South Mumbai, demonstrating their commitment to community service in a unique way.
The visit of the B.A.P. Union and the growing maritime cooperation exemplify the strengthening ties between India and Peru.
This diplomatic relationship has matured over the years, and despite their geographical separation, the two countries share maritime interests and seek to further expand their bilateral cooperation.
Also Read: Senegalese Navy’s Ongoing Efforts to Curb Migrant Crossings to the Canary Islands
