In a significant display of growing defense ties, the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Trikand, one of the most advanced stealth frigates of the Indian Navy, arrived at Limassol Port in Cyprus on Sunday. The vessel’s arrival marks an important moment in the deepening relationship between India and Cyprus, particularly in maritime and defense cooperation.
Strengthening Maritime Bonds Between India and Cyprus
INS Trikand carries modern stealth technology, advanced weapons, and high-end sensors, making it one of the most capable ships in the Indian Navy’s fleet. The High Commission of India in Nicosia described the warship as a “symbol of India’s naval power and commitment to peace and security at sea” during its visit.
The port call follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official trip to Cyprus in June. During that visit, both nations signed a four-year action plan to expand their cooperation in defense training and maritime security. India docked INS Trikand at Cyprus as the first visible step following that agreement.
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During its stay, the ship’s crew will participate in multiple diplomatic and professional activities. These include an official meeting with Commodore Minas Solomonides, the commander of the Cyprus Navy, as well as a reception hosted by the High Commission of India in Nicosia. Such events underline the mutual interest of both countries in developing stronger naval ties and creating opportunities for collaboration at sea.
Expanding Defense Cooperation in the Mediterranean
INS Trikand’s presence in the Mediterranean is part of a larger ongoing deployment in the region. Before arriving in Cyprus, the warship represented the Indian Navy in its maiden bilateral maritime exercise with the Hellenic Navy of Greece. Officials described the joint exercise, which concluded on September 18, as a key milestone in India–Greece defense cooperation.
The India–Greece exercise included two stages. The navies hosted the harbor phase from September 13 to 17 at Salamis Naval Base, focusing on planning, coordination, and crew interactions. They conducted the sea phase on September 17 and 18, performing maneuvers and testing interoperability. The exercise demonstrated how the Indian Navy is increasingly engaging with Mediterranean partners to strengthen security cooperation.
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Earlier this month, on September 11, INS Trikand visited Alexandria in Egypt. The ship participated in Exercise Bright Star 2025, one of the largest multinational defense exercises in the region. Egypt hosted the drill, which included forces from the United States, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Greece, Italy, and India.
INS Trikand’s participation allowed the Indian Navy to showcase its modern capabilities alongside the Indian Army and Air Force, which were also part of the exercise. Cross-deck visits, cultural programs, and discussions with senior military officials in Alexandria further expanded India’s defense cooperation with Egypt and other participating nations.
A Visible Step in India–Cyprus Global Defense Engagement
The deployment of INS Trikand across the Mediterranean region is part of India’s continued efforts to engage in international defense cooperation. The ship has been actively representing the Indian Navy in multiple exercises, port calls, and cultural exchanges. These activities underline the importance of strengthening both bilateral and multilateral partnerships.
In Cyprus, the arrival of INS Trikand has gained attention as a symbol of growing strategic partnership between the two nations. With the four-year action plan signed in June, the visit of this advanced warship gives shape to the new phase of defense relations. It highlights how India is building strong maritime ties with Cyprus, an important nation in the Mediterranean.
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The port call at Limassol reflects not only defense cooperation but also the cultural and diplomatic exchanges that accompany such naval visits. Crew members from INS Trikand will engage in local interactions, contributing to greater understanding between the people of both countries.
The ship’s role in international exercises such as Bright Star 2025 in Egypt and its bilateral drill with Greece demonstrates India’s ability to work alongside diverse nations. From Alexandria to Salamis and now to Limassol, INS Trikand has become a symbol of India’s active naval presence in the region.