Big boost to India-Seychelles ties as INS Trikand leads joint military drill

Captain Sachin Kulkarni, Commanding Officer of the ship, called on senior government officials and the High Commissioner of India to Seychelles. During the visit, the ship also handed over critical spares and essential supplies to the Seychelles government.

INS Trikand participated in the first tri-services edition of Exercise Lamitiye 2026, alongside personnel from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF). This marked the Indian Navy’s maiden participation in the exercise.

During the harbour phase, Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) training, including joint boarding drills, was conducted onboard. This was followed by the sea phase, during which the ship operated alongside SCGS Le Vigilant and carried out joint boarding operations involving Indian Navy Marine Commandos and SDF Special Forces.

The exercise also included the landing of troops from the Indian Army and SDF on Praslin Island. Senior SDF officials, including Major General Michael Rosette, Chief of Defence Forces, and Brigadier Jean Attala, embarked INS Trikand during the sea phase to witness the operations.

The exercise enhanced interoperability and strengthened maritime cooperation between India and Seychelles. “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 Regions — and underscores the Indian Navy’s commitment to being a preferred security partner and first responder in the Indian Ocean Region.