The ceremony was attended by the Madagascar Foreign Minister, Dr Tehindrazanarivelo Djacoba and various high ranking officials from the Madagascar Defence forces and civilian organizations.

Indian Naval Ship Shardul entered Port Antsiranana, Madagascar on 10th March 2020. The ship was carrying 600 tonnes of rice as per directives of Government of India. An official ceremony for handing over the rice from the Government of India to Government of Madagascar was held on-board INS Shardul at 0900h on 12th March 2020. The ceremony was attended by the Madagascar Foreign Minister, Dr Tehindrazanarivelo Djacoba and various high ranking officials from the Madagascar Defence forces and civilian organizations. The Indian side was represented by the Ambassador of India to Madagascar, Abhay Kumar and the ship’s Commanding Officer, Cdr Abhishek Pathak.  

The Foreign Minister of Madagascar appreciated the assistance provided by India and the Indian Navy. He described India as a true friend who is always there during the time of need. He wished that the ties between the two countries will reach newer heights in the days to come.  

A ‘Certificate of Endowment’ was signed by the dignitaries to mark the handing over of rice to the Government of Madagascar.