INS Sumedha Mission
Source: PIB
GS II: International Relation
Overview
- News in Brief
- About INS Sumedha
- About Sudan
Why in the News?
INS Sumedha in continuation with Indian Navy’s mission-based deployment to West Africa and Atlantic made a port call at Walvis Bay, Namibia.
News in Brief
- This port call is a manifestation of India’s warm ties with Namibia.
- Shows commitment to enhance maritime security and demonstrate solidarity with friendly nations.
- Professional interactions aimed at exchanging best practices, cross deck visits and social engagements were also conducted with Namibia Navy during the ship’s stay in harbour.
- India, over the years, has extended training to a large number of Namibian military officers at various military institutions in India.
About INS Sumedha
- It is the third of the indigenously developed Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV).
- It is the Saryu class deployed for multiple roles independently and in support of Fleet Operations.
- The ship is equipped with several weapon systems, sensors, state-of-the-art navigation and communication systems and Electronic Warfare system.
- Sumedha has undertaken various Fleet support operations, coastal and offshore patrolling, ocean surveillance and HADR missions.
- Recently conducted Op Kaveri for evacuation of Indian diaspora from war hit Sudan in April 23.
About Sudan
Sudan is a country located in northeastern Africa. Please note that there might have been changes or developments since then.
Geography
- Location
- Sudan is situated in the northeastern part of Africa
- Egypt to the north
- Red Sea to the northeast
- Eritrea and Ethiopia to the east
- South Sudan to the south
- Central African Republic to the southwest
- Chad to the west
- Libya to the northwest
Capital
- The capital city of Sudan is Khartoum, which is also the largest city and serves as the political, cultural, and commercial center.
History
- Sudan has a rich history, with ancient civilizations such as the Kingdom of Kush, which existed along the Nile Valley. It later became part of various empires, including the Egyptian and Ottoman empires.
- Sudan gained independence from joint British-Egyptian rule in 1956.
Civil Wars
- Sudan experienced prolonged civil wars, notably the Second Sudanese Civil War (1983–2005) between the north and the south. The conflict eventually led to the secession of South Sudan in 2011.
Religion
- Islam is the dominant religion in Sudan, and the majority of the population is Muslim. There are also small Christian and indigenous religious communities.
Language
- Arabic is the official language, and English is widely used in government and education.
Economy
- Sudan’s economy is diverse, with agriculture, services, and industry contributing to its GDP. Agriculture is a crucial sector, with crops like sorghum and millet being important staples.
Recent Developments
- Sudan has undergone significant political changes in recent years. In April 2019, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir was ousted from power after months of protests. A transitional government, consisting of both civilian and military leaders, was established.
Challenges
- Sudan faces various challenges, including economic issues, ethnic and religious tensions, and the need for political stability and development.
Darfur Conflict
- The Darfur region in western Sudan has been a site of conflict, with ethnic and tribal tensions leading to violence and displacement.
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