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Indian Navy's INS Trikand Strengthens Ties with Seychelles in Exercise Lamitiye

Indian Naval Ship Trikand concluded a port call at Port Victoria, Seychelles, which included high-level engagements and the handover of essential stores. The ship participated in the first tri-services edition of Exercise Lamitiye 2026 alongside Indian Army, Air Force, and Seychelles Defence Forces. The exercise featured joint Visit, Board, Search and Seizure training and complex boarding operations at sea. This engagement underscores India's commitment to being a preferred security partner in the Indian Ocean Region under its 'MAHASAGAR' vision.

Key Points: INS Trikand Concludes Port Call, Exercise Lamitiye in Seychelles

  • INS Trikand completes port call in Seychelles
  • Participates in tri-services Exercise Lamitiye 2026
  • Hands over critical spares to Seychelles
  • Conducts joint VBSS and boarding drills
  • Reinforces India's 'MAHASAGAR' vision
2 min read

Indian Naval Ship Trikand concludes port call at Port Victoria in Seychelles

Indian Naval Ship Trikand completes a port call in Seychelles, participates in tri-services Exercise Lamitiye 2026, enhancing maritime cooperation.

"Lamitiye, meaning 'friendship' in the Creole language, reflects the historic ties between the two nations. - Indian Navy"

New Delhi Marc, h 22

,: Indian Naval Ship Trikand, a stealth frigate of the Indian Navy, departed from Port Victoria, Seychelles, on March 20 on completion of an enriching port call that had commenced on March 16.

Captain Sachin Kulkarni, Commanding Officer of the ship, called on senior Government functionaries and the High Commissioner of India to Seychelles. The ship also handed over critical spares and essential stores to the Government of Seychelles.

INS Trikand participated in the first tri-services edition of Exercise Lamitiye 2026, along with members from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF). This also marked the maiden participation of the Indian Navy in Exercise Lamitiye.

During the harbour phase, Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) training was conducted onboard, which also included joint boarding drills. This was followed by the sea phase of the exercise, during which the ship exercised with SCGS Le Vigilant and undertook joint boarding operations at sea by a team comprising Indian Navy Marine Commandos and Special Forces of SDF. This was followed by the landing of Army troops of the Indian Army and the Seychelles Defence Forces on Praslin Island.

Maj Gen Michael Rosette, Chief of Defence Forces, SDF, Brig Jean Attala, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, SDF, along with other senior officers, embarked on INS Trikand for the sea phase to witness the conduct of the exercise.

The exercise provided an opportunity to enhance interoperability and strengthen maritime cooperation between India and Seychelles. Lamitiye, meaning 'friendship' in the Creole language, reflects the historic ties between the two nations.

The port call reflects India's vision of MAHASAGAR - Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Region, and reinforces the Indian Navy's commitment to remain the Preferred Security Partner and First Responder in the Indian Ocean Region.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is excellent strategic diplomacy. Handing over critical spares shows we are a reliable partner, not just for exercises but for tangible support. MAHASAGAR vision in practice!
R
Rohit P
The tri-services participation is key. Shows a coordinated national effort. Our Marine Commandos training with Seychelles forces builds incredible capability. More such engagements needed across the IOR.
S
Sarah B
While these partnerships are important, I hope the focus remains on mutual benefit and respect. Sometimes these military exercises can be seen as projecting power rather than building genuine friendship. The 'Lamitiye' spirit must be real.
V
Vikram M
INS Trikand is a formidable platform. Good to see it in action. These joint boarding drills are vital for countering piracy and illegal trafficking in those waters. Our Navy's role is indispensable.
K
Kavya N
The historic ties mentioned are so true. Many Indians have made Seychelles their home. This cooperation goes beyond just defence; it's about people-to-people connections. Well done to all involved! 👏

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