Press Release (New Delhi) - 08 Jul 11 TURKISH NAVAL SHIPS ARRIVE AT MUMBAI ON MAIDEN VISIT Turkish Naval ship TCG Gemlik entering Mumbai Port Turkish Naval ship TCG Barbaros berthing alongside at the Mumbai Port Rear Admiral Girish Luthra, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet presenting a memento to Rear Admiral A Sinan Ertugrul of the Turkish Navy Four Turkish Naval Ships TCG Barbaros, TCG YB Kudret Gungor, TCG Gemlik and TCG Gelibolu arrived on a four-day goodwill visit to Mumbai 07 Jul 2011. Rear Admiral A Sinan Ertugrul, Commander of the Turkish Naval Maritime Task Group is in command of Task Group. About 950 Turkish Naval personnel are embarked on the visiting ships. The visit is historical as this is the first time, when four Turkish Naval Ships under a Rear Admiral are visiting India. During the visit, Rear Admiral A Sinan Ertugrul, interacted with Rear Admiral Girish Luthra, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet. In addition, social/ professional interaction between personnel of the Turkish and Indian Navy were also conducted. Turkish Military Band conducted an enthralling Band Concert at Mulla auditorium for the Indian Naval families. Turkish Naval ships along with front line ships of the Western Naval Command will participate in combined exercises which are scheduled from 11th to 12th Jul, on the return passage of the Turkish ships. This bilateral operational interaction between the two Navies in the North Arabian Sea would enhance existing inter operability. India and Turkey enjoy historical and rich cordial relations. The visit by the Turkish Naval ships is a milestone towards fostering good relations between the two countries in general and the two Navies in particular. .