INS Kadmatt docks in Suva, strengthening India-Fiji naval ties

The Indian Naval Ship Kadmatt has arrived in Suva on a pivotal 3-day goodwill visit, symbolising the deepening defence partnership and vibrant cultural ties between India and Fiji.

Earlier this morning, the bands of the Indian and Fijian navies took part in a friendly musical exchange, highlighting the strong camaraderie between the two maritime forces.

Commander Kutuhal Limaye, Commanding Officer of the vessel says that with a total of 200 personnel on board, they have travelled across two oceans, crossed three straits, sailed through four seas, and traversed five time zones to be here.

He says this visit holds great significance for them, coming within a month of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s visit to India and the commitment both governments have made to strengthening bilateral relations.

He adds that the primary purpose of the visit is to build connections, both professionally and with people.

The vessel will be open to the public from 2pm to 6pm, offering Fijians a rare opportunity to tour one of India’s advanced naval ships.

This evening, a free concert featuring joint performances by the Indian Navy Band and the Republic of Fiji Navy Band will be held at Ratu Sukuna Park from 6pm to 8pm, celebrating the cultural ties and friendship between the two navies.

Tomorrow, a special ship visit for government ministers and dignitaries is scheduled aboard INS Kadmatt as part of formal diplomatic engagements.

On Wednesday, the ship’s medical team, in collaboration with the Fijian medical team, will host a free public health screening from 10am to 1pm at Albert Park, extending the goodwill mission through community outreach.

INS Kadmatt (P 29) is the second of four indigenous anti-submarine warfare corvettes built under the Indian Navy’s Project-28, aimed at enhancing stealth and submarine-hunting capabilities.

Equipped with advanced weapons and sensors, it plays a vital role in safeguarding India’s maritime interests.

With strong endurance and stealth features, the ship regularly participates in fleet exercises, regional security missions, and overseas deployments, strengthening naval ties across the Indo-Pacific.

The visit by INS Kadmatt underscores the growing defence cooperation and people-to-people ties between India and Fiji.