INS Pondicherry (M61)

INS Pondicherry (M61) was a Mahé-class minesweeper of the Indian Navy. These ships were designed and built in the Soviet Union as part of Project 266M, also known as the Natya-class. INS Pondicherry was commissioned into the Indian Navy in the late 1970s and served for several decades, playing a crucial role in mine countermeasures operations. The vessel was equipped with various sensors and systems designed to detect and neutralize naval mines, ensuring the safety of shipping lanes and naval operations. The Mahé-class minesweepers, including INS Pondicherry, were instrumental in safeguarding India's maritime interests and contributed significantly to the nation's naval capabilities until their eventual decommissioning. Details regarding its specific operational history, decommissioning date, and final fate are available in varying levels of detail depending on the source.