Champ de Mars (Mauritius), March 11 (ANI): Braving heavy rainfall, contingents from Mauritius and the Indian Navy conducted a full dress rehearsal at Champ de Mars ahead of the 57th Mauritius National Day celebrations.

A member from the Indian contingent said to ANI in a brief interview, 'We all feel very proud that we are representing our country here, and yes, we are looking forward to having an excellent march past day after tomorrow. (We are) a platoon of sailors and officers from the Indian Navy.'

The preparations are underway as Indian Naval Ship (INS) Imphal makes its maiden visit to Port Louis, marking a significant moment in India-Mauritius defence ties.

INS Imphal arrived in Port Louis on March 10 and is set to participate in the National Day celebrations on March 12. The ship's presence continues the tradition of Indian warships and aircraft being part of the annual event, underscoring India's commitment to its maritime neighbour.

The naval contingent on will feature a marching unit, a band, and a helicopter flypast at the parade, as per an official press release by the Ministry of National Defence (MND), which could be seen during the rehearsal as well.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the Chief Guest at the celebrations, highlighting the strong diplomatic and strategic relations between the two nations.

During its stay in Mauritius from March 10-14, INS Imphal will engage in various bilateral activities, including training exchanges, cultural programs, and friendly sports events. Additionally, a joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance mission and naval exercise with Mauritius Coast Guard Ships (MCGS) are planned, reinforcing maritime security cooperation. These initiatives aim to strengthen defence and strategic ties between India and Mauritius while fostering people-to-people interactions.

The visit aligns with India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision, first articulated by PM Modi a decade ago during the commissioning of MCGS Barracuda, Mauritius' first India-built warship. The presence of India's latest warship at the National Day celebrations reflects India's commitment to ensuring a stable and secure Indian Ocean Region while deepening its historical, economic, and socio-cultural ties with Mauritius.

Commissioned in December 2023, INS Imphal is the third of four Project 15B (Visakhapatnam-class) indigenous destroyers. Equipped with cutting-edge weaponry, sensors, and advanced machinery, it stands among the most modern and powerful warships in the world. (ANI)