Limassol Welcomes INS Trikand: Forging Stronger India-Cyprus Naval Ties

Limassol Welcomes INS Trikand: Forging Stronger India-Cyprus Naval Ties

The arrival of INS Trikand, India's advanced stealth frigate, at Limassol Port on September 21, 2025, has marked a significant milestone in India-Cyprus maritime cooperation. This historic visit represents the tangible realization of commitments made during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's landmark Cyprus visit in June 2025.

Strategic Partnership Materialized

The four-day port call directly follows the comprehensive partnership framework established during Modi's visit. The Joint Declaration on the Implementation of the Comprehensive Partnership had outlined a four-year action plan expanding defence, training, and maritime security cooperation, specifically providing for frequent Indian naval port calls to Cypriot ports.

Advanced Naval Platform

INS Trikand represents India's cutting-edge naval capabilities. The Talwar-class guided missile frigate, commissioned in 2013, carries 180 personnel and measures 124.8 metres with a displacement of 4,035 tonnes. The vessel features supersonic BrahMos cruise missiles with 300-kilometre range and Mach 3 speeds, Shtil surface-to-air missiles, advanced electronic warfare systems, and a Kamov Ka-31 helicopter.

Professional Engagements

During the visit, extensive professional exchanges have occurred between naval personnel. Captain Sachin Kulkarni, INS Trikand's commanding officer, held courtesy meetings with Commodore Minas Solomonides, commander of the Cyprus Navy. A joint reception was hosted by India's High Commissioner Manish and the ship's commanding officer.

The vessel is opened to the Cypriot public on September 23, 2025, from 0:00 AM to 5:00 PM EEST, showcasing Indian naval capabilities to the local community.

Joint Naval Exercise

A Passing Exercise (PASSEX) is to be conducted on September 24, 2025, between INS Trikand and the Cyprus Navy, enhancing operational interoperability through coordinated manoeuvres and communications procedures. Such exercises is designed to strengthen naval cooperation and improve coordination between maritime forces.

Regional Strategic Context

This deployment occurs within India's expanding Mediterranean presence. Prior to arriving in Cyprus, INS Trikand had participated in Exercise Bright Star 2025 in Egypt and completed the maiden bilateral maritime exercise with Greece's Hellenic Navy.

The visit demonstrates India's commitment to Mediterranean engagement, particularly as Cyprus prepares to assume the EU Council Presidency in early 2026. It supports the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) initiative, positioning Cyprus as a crucial gateway between Europe, the Middle East, and India.

As the High Commission of India stated, "This landmark visit reflects the deepening India–Cyprus friendship, strengthening maritime bonds, defence cooperation and shared values across the seas". The engagement represents a transformation of bilateral relations into a robust strategic partnership built on democratic values and regional stability.