Recently amidst of Covid-19 one of defense updates has been taken in concept. It has been announced that India will deliver refurbished kilo class submarine INS Sindhuvir class, which was purchased by Russia in 1980s and will be delivered to Myanmar. This also will be Myanmar's first navy first submarine as said by Anurag Shrivastava spokesman for Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Myanmar will use its first diesel-electric submarine for training and operations. According to recent updates, New Delhi and Naypyidaw (Myanmar’s capital) are also working on the supply of Indian field guns (105 mm artillery guns), ammunition, sonar and advanced light torpedoes 'Shyena', night vision devices and other military hardware too.
Chief of the Indian Army Staff Gen MM Naravane and Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla embarked Myanmar on October 4-5 to objectify and discuss on enhanced cooperation. The two officials held extensively deep discussions with state counsellor of Myanmar, Aung San Suu Kyi and Senior Gen Min Sung Hlaing, commander-in-chief of Myanmar's Defense Services.
This is not something very new deal with Myanmar ,since India and Myanmar signed a Treaty of Friendship in 1951 many development in defense and other sectors has been profited previously in past, India has been delivered maritime reconnaissance aircraft, patrol vessels and ships, advanced torpedoes, radars, field guns and even small arms and ammunition to Myanmar. These renewed efforts can be seen as impactful as attempts to keep Myanmar safe from China's clutches over as India and Myanmar share a 1,645 km-long land and maritime border so protection of the water boundaries are being vital for both the countries. This kilo class submarine has undergone extensive retro fittings and has been upgraded at the Hindustan Shipyard Limited and is being expected to remain in service at the Myanmar Navy for another decade-and-a-half till about 2035.
Hope this brings positive impact over Asia Pacific region as after the visit of the Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1987 which also laid the foundation for stronger relationship between India and Myanmar, this going to be one of strategic development trade.
>>Cips in nutshell
· Name- INS Sindhuvir
· Commissioned- 26 August 1988
· Status- transferred to Myanmar's navy.
· Class and type- Sindhughosh class submarine
· Length- 72.6mtr (238ft)