On December 25, Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kesari reached Port of Maputo, Mozambique carrying 500 tonnes of food aid as part of SAGAR Mission, which is dubbed as “Security and Growth for All in the Region” Mission.

Key Points

• 500 tonnes of food aid were shipped to support the efforts of Government of Mozambique to tackle the challenges of ongoing drought and covid-19 pandemic.
• India is also committed to support the capacity building efforts of the Mozambique Armed Forces. To support thus, INS Kesari also carried two Fast Interceptor Craft and self-defence equipment, which will be handed over to the Armed Forces of Mozambique.

Significance of the aid

Extending aid to Mozambique was the eighth such deployment in accordance with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of SAGAR.  It is being conducted in association with the Ministry of External Affairs, and other agencies. Such deployments were conducted in solidarity with extended maritime neighbourhood of India. It also highlights the importance India accords to these special relationships.