Endangered

Kochi, Oct 28. (PTI): Mauritius will purchase an indigenously developed Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and an offshore patrol vessel from India.

"Mauritius has its own Exclusive Economic Zone and to protect it, we are going in for the purchase of an ALH and an offshore patrol vessel," Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam told reporters after visiting the Southern Naval Command here on Thursday morning.

The chief Test Pilot of Hal, Wing Comander (Retd) Upadhyay made a presentation on the ALH 'Dhruv'.

The 13-member delegation, led by Ramgoolam then witnessed a demonstration by the ALH, which included underslung cargo operations and some manoeuvres by naval pilots of the intensive Flying Training Unit.

The Prime Minister was shown around the cockpit and the helicopter. He was also presented a model of the ALH. He said he was "very impressed" by the facilities at the Command.

Asked about his Kerala visit, he said this was his first visit to the state. "Unfortunately, it is a very short one."

Discussions would be held later on tourism promotion between Mauritius and Kerala, he said.

Ramgoolam then visited INS Sharda, an offshore Patrol vessel, where he was received with full naval ceremonials by the ship's commanding officer Commander Yogesh Dutt.

The delegation attended a presentation on the role and capabilities of the Vessel and went round the ship.

The Prime Minister also met Naval officers and sailors from his country who are undergoing training at the command.

Earlier, on arrival, he was received by the Flag Officer Commanding in Chief, Vice Admiral S C Bangara. He was presented a coffee table book 'A Shared Destiny'.

__________________
Wild Wild Web