With an aim to further bolster its ties, the Indian Navy has fulfilled the agreement signed with the South African Navy in September last year. To develop bilateral naval cooperation, the Indian Navy and the South African Navy had signed an Implementing Agreement (IA) that ensures the safety of the latter’s submarine crew in times of distress or accident.
In a major update concerning the development, the Indian Navy on Tuesday (August 12) conducted a historic rescue seat certification for the SAS Manthatisi submarine. Why this development matters is because this is the first-ever for a friendly foreign navy.
“Strengthening bilateral ties, the Indian Navy successfully undertook the Rescue Seat Certification of the South African Navy Submarine SAS Manthatisi, a first for any Friendly Foreign Navy,” the Navy spokesperson wrote in an X post. This certification will enable implementation of the Submarine Rescue and Cooperation Implementation Agreement.
India-South African Navy: What is the Submarine rescue pact signed last year?
Naval forces of both the countries had last year signed an Implementing Agreement that ensures the safety of the South African Navy’s submarine crew in times of distress or accident. This agreement was signed by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and Chief of the South African Navy Vice Admiral Monde Lobese.
This agreement underlined a shared commitment to maritime safety and mutual support. As part of this deal, the Indian Navy will offer assistance to the South African navy when required by deploying its Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV).
What is the latest SAS Manthatisi certification?
Concluded on Tuesday, this certification on SAS Manthatisi would make sure that Indian DSRVs can dock with the submarine during a rescue mission. Notably, this is the first time that India has carried out such a procedure for a foreign navy. It would help in further enhancing submarine crew safety.