Limassol/New Delhi: Indian Naval Ship INS Trikand, a state-of-the-art stealth frigate, made a scheduled port call at Limassol on September 21, 2025, as part of its ongoing operational deployment in the Mediterranean Sea. The visit underscores India’s commitment to enhancing maritime security and fostering defense cooperation with regional partners.
High-Level Engagements Highlight Bilateral Relations
Upon arrival, Capt Sachin Kulkarni, Commanding Officer of INS Trikand, paid courtesy calls to Mr. Manish, High Commissioner of India to Cyprus, and Cmde Minas Solomonides, Commander of the Cyprus Navy. These meetings emphasized the importance of deepening defense collaboration and mutual understanding.
Cultural Exchange and Professional Activities
The port visit featured a series of professional interactions between naval personnel, along with cultural events and yoga sessions onboard INS Trikand. The ship was also opened to visitors on September 23, allowing civilians and officials to witness Indian naval capabilities firsthand.
Boosting Maritime Cooperation and Regional Security
The visit is expected to reinforce defense and maritime cooperation between India and Cyprus. Discussions focused on enhancing coordination in maritime security operations and capacity-building initiatives to safeguard vital sea lanes. This collaborative effort reflects the shared strategic interests of both nations in promoting peace, security, and prosperity throughout the Mediterranean region.
Fostering People-to-People and Cultural Ties
Beyond military engagement, the visit celebrated the longstanding friendship between India and Cyprus, highlighting shared values and cultural connections. Such interactions play a vital role in strengthening people-to-people relations and building trust between the two countries.
