The historic affiliation of the Mahar Regiment of the Indian Army and INS Kolkata of the Indian Navy was formally solemnised onboard INS Kolkata at Mumbai on May 25.

Lieutenant General C Bansi Ponnappa, AVSM, VSM, Adjutant General (AG) of Indian Army, who is also the Colonel of the Mahar Regiment and Rear Admiral Sameer Saxena, NM, Flag Officer Commanding, Western Fleet (FOC WF) signed the Charter of Affiliation. It is expected that this affiliation will further foster the spirit of co-operation and common understanding between the two sister services.

The ceremony began with paying rich tributes to the ‘Fallen Heroes’ followed by inspection of the Joint Army - Navy Ceremonial Guard. After the welcome address by Rear Admiral Sameer Saxena, NM, FOC WF, the Charter of Affiliation was readout and signed and exchanged between the Colonel of the Mahar Regiment and FOC WF.

On the occasion, the Colonel of the Mahar Regiment and FOC WF re-emphasized their determination to achieve the aims listed in the Charter of Affiliation.

The Mahar Regiment since raising on Oct 1, 1941 has fought with unique distinction and honour, winning emerging victorious on several battlefields and has been awarded nine Battle Honours and 12 Theatre Honours post independence, a rare feat by any Infantry Regiment. The Regiment has earned numerous gallantry awards including Param Vir Chakra (PVC) and Ashok Chakra (AC), highest wartime and peacetime gallantry awards respectively and holds an enviable status among elite Infantry Regiments.

INS Kolkata, one of the latest indigenous weapon platforms of Western Naval Command, was built at Mazagaon Dock Limited, Mumbai. The stealth ship is armed with an array of weaponry including Surface-to-Surface missiles, medium and short range guns and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The ship is part of Western Fleet and has excelled in several joint exercises, HADR missions, foreign deployments and anti-piracy patrols.

The affiliation between sister services of the Indian Armed Forces was instituted in 1990 to foster spirit of cooperation, understanding. The affiliation is, thus, a symbol of inter-service camaraderie that goes a long way in execution of integrated operations in modern warfare.

Affiliation Ceremony between INS Kolkata one of the latest indigenous Indian Navy frontline ships, stealth guided missile destroyers and the MAHAR Regt one of the elitist Infantry Regiments of the Indian Army was held at Naval dockyard, Mumbai on May 25.

Lt Gen C Bansi Ponnappa, AVSM, VSM, Adjutant General & Colonel of the MAHAR Regiment graced the event hosted by Rear Admiral Sameer Saxena, NM, FOC WF. The history event witnessed signing and exchange of the Charter of Affiliation and a joint parade. This Affiliation will further enhance inter-services camaraderie and goes a long way in attaining success in operations through integration.