Antananarivo: Defence Minister of Madagascar General Leon Jean Richard Rakotonirina on Friday visited four Indian naval ships in the northern port city of Antsiranana also known as Diego Suarez, and held discussions to intensify defense cooperation between the two countries.
As part of the Indian Navy's Overseas Deployment, ships of Indian Navy's First Training Squadron - Indian Naval Ships Tir, Sujata, and Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi arrived at Antsiranana, Madagascar on October 1 for a three-day visit.
Indian Navy ships are regularly deployed overseas as part of the Indian Navy's mission of building 'bridges of friendship' and strengthening international cooperation with friendly countries.
Addressing a joint press conference with Indian ambassador Abhay Kumar and Captain Singh onboard, Rakotonirina said that Madagascar and India relations are centuries old and there is a reason why the ocean that surrounds Madagascar is named the Indian Ocean.
Speaking on the occasion, ambassador Kumar praised Rakotonirina's dynamic leadership in deepening defense ties between India and Madagascar.