INS Sudarshini ship marks India-S'pore 50 years of smooth sailing

The INS Sudarshini received a warm welcome as it docked in VivoCity Promenade on the morning of March 2 - and we're not just talking about the weather!

To celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties between India and Singapore, along with Singapore's landmark birthday, the sail training ship was in town on its third visit from March 2 to March 6.

The crew was greeted by Indian high commissioner Vijay Thakur Singh (above) and performers from Singapore's National Cadet Corps Command Band.

Students from Global Indian International School put on bharatanatyam and dandiya performances which served to remind the sailors, who had been at sea for 19 days, of home.

The Indian naval officers and cadets joined their counterparts from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) in events to commemorate the 50 years of bilateral relations. These included sports events and a visit by Singapore naval cadets to the ship.

A group of RSN trainee officers were also given a chance to spend a day at sea in the sail training ship to get some sailing experience.

INS Sudarshini's commanding officer T. Rajasekhar said that the ship provides the chance for naval cadets to "develop physical and moral courage, self-confidence and seamanship".

The Singapore Indian Association hosted a reception for the crew on March 5.

Note: The ship is open to visitors at VivoCity till March 7

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