India to offer warships to African, ME nations

Looking for export markets for its vessels, defence undertaking Goa Shipyard is offering its smaller size naval vessels to countries in Africa and the Middle East. In this regard, a Nigerian delegation headed by a senior Navy officer of that country visited the shipyard last week in Goa. 'The visit assumes significance in view of Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL)'s ongoing efforts to market its state-of-the-art Patrol Vessels to coastal African nations and Middle East, etc.' The delegation was headed by Senator Chris N D Anyanwu, the Chairperson Senate Committee on Nigerian Navy and held discussions with GSL chief Rear Admiral (retd) Vineet Bakshi. The delegation was also informed about the modernization programme and progress made thereof, pti reported quoting the spokesman of the shipyard as said at Panaji. Expressing satisfaction on GSL's capability to design and build sophisticated and high value ships, the visiting delegation lauded GSL's efforts to upgrade its shipyard to meet the future defence requirements. GSL is one of the main shipyards building vessels for the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard. The yard has also provided speed patrol boats required for coastal surveillance.