Affiliation Ceremony- INS Kochi and Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry

Affiliation Ceremony- INS Kochi and Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry

Indian Naval Ship Kochi, the 7500T indigenously built destroyer, was affiliated to the Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry Regiment (JAK LI), one of the most decorated infantry regiments of the Indian Army, in a solemn ceremony held onboard the ship at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai on 24 September 2018.

An 'Affiliation’ between units of sister services is aimed at augmenting the synergy, coordination and ‘Jointness’ between the services to ensure better coordination at ground level that would aid in meeting the ever changing aspects of present warfare. Affiliation between Naval and Army units is an ongoing process and this is the 31st affiliation of an Indian Naval unit.

The process of affiliation began during Phase 1, when the Charter of Affiliation was signed by the Commandant of the Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry Regiment and the Commanding Officer of INS Kochi at Srinagar on 20 August 2018, in the presence of the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command and Colonel of the Jammu & Kashmir Infantry Regiment who is presently also the Chief of Integrated Defense Staff to Chairman COSC (CISC).

In Phase 2 held on 24 September 2018 the ceremony included the presenting of a joint Guard of Honour to the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command followed by a joint band performance by the Naval and JAK LI bands. On the occasion, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet addressing the gathering and stated that “This affiliation is a step towards reinforcing the relationship with the JAK LI Regiment and to continue with the tradition of joint and integrated operations in peace so as to reap its benefits in war”.

The Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command termed the affiliation as another major step towards achieving greater synergy between the services. He emphasised the importance of joint operations and the need for renewed emphasis on a multi-dimensional approach by the three services for success in both offensive and defensive operations to safeguard National Interests and Objectives.

The Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to Chairman COSC also highlighted the importance of ground level interactions between units to ensure better coordination and collaboration. Better understanding of each other’s working conditions, ethos and traditions would result in a higher level of camaraderie and esprit-de-corps and would act as a force multiplier during operations.

Subedar Major and Honorary Captain Bana Singh, Param Vir Chakra was also present among the distinguished guests, who is an icon of bravery for the Armed Forces.