Indian Naval Ship Sahyadri on Monday visited Papua New Guinea on its four-day overseas deployment to the Southeast Asia and Southern Indian Ocean aimed to strengthen existing bonds between the two countries.

INS Sahyadri, a multi-role stealth frigate commanded by Captain Anil Jaggi, would be on a port visit to Papua New Guinea's capital Moresby from June 12 to June 15, a navy statement said. 

The move comes in pursuance of India's Act East policy, it said. "The current deployment will contribute towards the Indian Navy's efforts to consolidate interoperability and forge strong bonds of friendship across the seas." 

During the stay in harbour, various activities such as official calls, formal reception on board the ships, ships being open to visitors, guided tours for Indian naval personnel, professional interaction between naval personnel of both the nations and Community Welfare activities have been planned. 

"The visit of the Indian Naval Ships seeks to underscore India's peaceful presence and solidarity with friendly and harmonious countries towards ensuring good order in the maritime domain and to strengthen existing bonds between Papua New Guinea and India," the statement said. 

Indian Naval assets have been increasingly deployed in recent times to address the main maritime concerns of the region. Also, as part of the Indian government's vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), the Navy has also been involved in assisting countries in the Indian Ocean Region with EEZ surveillance, search and rescue, and other capacity-building and capability-enhancement activities.

During the state visit of President Pranab Mukherjee in April 2016, the statement said, a number of constructive discussions were held on the shared desire to enhance the ties of friendship and cooperation that defined the relationship between the two countries. 

Over the past few decades, India has made substantial advances in terms of designing and building warships indigenously and the visiting ships bear testimony to these capabilities. 

In May, Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri, Shivalik, Jyoti and Kamorta visited Singapore.