In a significant step towards deepening bilateral defence cooperation, the Indian Naval Ship (INS) ‘Trikand’, a state-of-the-art Talwar-class guided missile frigate, is making a port call at Limassol, Cyprus, from 21-24 September 2025, a press release by the High Commission of India in Nicosia says.
It adds that this visit underscores the growing strategic partnership between India and the Republic of Cyprus, building on recent high-level engagements and shared commitments to regional security, maritime collaboration, and mutual prosperity.
The port call by INS ‘Trikand’ is a follow-up on the understanding reached between the leaders of India and Cyprus during the landmark visit of the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, to Cyprus from 15-16 June 2025. The Joint Declaration on the Implementation of the Comprehensive Partnership on 16 June 2025, outlines a forward-looking 2025-29 Action Plan, emphasizing enhanced defence industrial collaboration, joint maritime training, hosting of Indian naval vessels at Cypriot ports, it is added.
It says that during the port call, INS ‘Trikand’ will engage in professional and diplomatic activities to strengthen naval ties. These include a courtesy call on Commander of the Cyprus Navy Commodore Minas Solomonides, a reception hosted on board by the High Commissioner of India Manish and Commander of the INS ‘Trikand Captain Sachin Kulkarni and a Yoga Event. INS ‘Trikand’ will also be open to general public to visit on 23 September 2025 from 10 AM to 5 PM. The members of the public who wish to visit the ship should register in advance at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/18vlVr23ynJQRVhmMJUzZv3kV9VZxLhTValm8DjcVUXs/viewform?edit_requested=true. On September 24, INS ‘Trikand’ will conduct a Passing Exercise (PASSEX) with the Cyprus Navy.
“India and Cyprus are united by a commitment to democratic values, maritime security, and economic growth,” said the High Commissioner of India to Cyprus, adding that “the arrival of INS ‘Trikand’, following Prime Minister Modi’s historic visit and the Joint Declaration, symbolizes our enduring friendship and the exciting prospects for bilateral defence ties. We look forward to welcoming Captain Kulkarni and his crew, who embody the professionalism and excellence of the Indian Navy.”
Commissioned on 29 June 29 2013, INS ‘Trikand’ is a 4,035-ton (full load) warship, 124.8 meters long, with a crew of 180 personnel, including 18 officers. Equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles (range: 300 km, speed: Mach 3), stealth technologies, and a Kamov Ka-31 helicopter, it excels in anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare.
Its distinguished service includes humanitarian missions in Indian Ocean, as well as participation in multinational exercises like Naseem Al Bahr with Oman (13-18 October 2018) and Exercise Bright Star 2025 in Egypt (27 August – 11 September, 2025), showcasing its role in maritime security and humanitarian assistance.
(Photo by Brian Burnell)
(Source: CNA)
