Seychelles: Indian Naval Ship Trikand, a stealth frigate of the Indian Navy, completed an enriching port call at Port Victoria on March 20, 2026. During the visit, Captain Sachin Kulkarni, Commanding Officer of INS Trikand, called on senior government officials and the High Commissioner of India to Seychelles. The ship also handed over critical spares and essential stores to the Seychelles Government.
INS Trikand participated in the maiden tri-services edition of Exercise Lamitiye 2026, alongside the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF). This marked the first-ever participation of the Indian Navy in Exercise Lamitiye.
During the harbour phase, the ship conducted Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) training, including joint boarding drills. The subsequent sea phase saw INS Trikand exercising with SCGS Le Vigilant and conducting joint boarding operations with Indian Navy Marine Commandos and SDF Special Forces. Army troops from both India and Seychelles later conducted a landing exercise on Praslin Island. Senior SDF officials, including Maj Gen Michael Rosette, Chief of Defence Forces, and Brig Jean Attala, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, observed the operations onboard INS Trikand.
The exercise enhanced interoperability and strengthened maritime cooperation between India and Seychelles. The name “Lamitiye,” meaning friendship in Creole, reflects the longstanding ties between the two nations.
The port call aligns with India’s MAHASAGAR vision – Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across the Region – and underscores the Indian Navy’s commitment to being a preferred security partner and first responder in the Indian Ocean Region.
