New Delhi, March 22: The Indian Navy’s warship INS Trikand has successfully completed its mission in Seychelles, reinforcing India’s maritime diplomacy and strategic cooperation in the Indian Ocean region. After a fruitful visit to Port Victoria, the ship has now set sail for its next deployment.
The port call, which began on March 16, marked a significant milestone in defense collaboration between India and Seychelles. INS Trikand, an advanced stealth frigate, participated in several key activities during its stay. Captain Sachin Kulkarni, the commanding officer, met with senior officials from the Seychelles government and the Indian High Commissioner stationed there.
These meetings aimed to strengthen bilateral relations further. During this visit, essential spare parts and critical supplies were also provided to the Seychelles government, symbolizing trust and cooperation between the two nations. A highlight of the visit was India’s participation in the joint military exercise ‘Lamitiye 2026,’ which for the first time included the involvement of all three branches of the armed forces: Army, Navy, and Air Force. This exercise was conducted on a larger scale than previous iterations.
During the military drills, personnel from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Seychelles Defense Forces showcased their combined capabilities. Notably, this was the first time the Indian Navy participated in the exercise. The harbor phase included ‘Visit, Board, Search and Seizure’ (VBSS) training, focusing on joint boarding operations. Following this, the maritime phase saw INS Trikand conduct joint exercises with the Seychelles Coast Guard vessel ‘Le Vigilant.’ Indian Navy Marine Commandos and Seychelles special forces successfully executed boarding operations at sea.
The exercises involved critical missions such as boarding, search, and control of maritime vessels. Operations focused on preventing infiltration via sea routes, drone surveillance, raids, and evacuating injured soldiers. The drills primarily centered around semi-urban and maritime security scenarios, with coordinated participation from the Seychelles Coast Guard, Air Force, and Special Operations Unit.
The Indian Navy deployed INS Trikand for maritime operations during the exercises. Both nations’ forces conducted various operations together, including sieges and searches in semi-urban areas, precise strikes, and joint planning, which enhanced mutual coordination and trust. Another significant aspect of the exercise was the joint landing operation conducted by the Indian Army and Seychelles Defense Forces on Praslin Island, showcasing their military coordination capabilities.
During the maritime phase, Seychelles Defense Force leaders, including Major General Michael Rosette and Brigadier Jean Atalla, observed the exercises firsthand aboard INS Trikand. This exercise proved to be a crucial opportunity to strengthen military cooperation, mutual understanding, and maritime security coordination between India and Seychelles.
The visit of INS Trikand reflects India’s vision of ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region), emphasizing mutual and comprehensive progress in the region. It also reaffirms the Indian Navy’s commitment to being a reliable security partner and first responder in the Indian Ocean region.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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