INS Trikand participated in the first tri-services edition of Exercise Lamitiye 2026

INS Trikand, a frontline stealth frigate of the Indian Navy, concluded its port visit to Seychelles (Port Victoria) in March 2026. The visit was part of India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen maritime cooperation and defence ties in the Indian Ocean Region

Participation in Exercise Lamitiye 2026

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

Harbour phase included Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) training and joint boarding drills

Sea phase involved joint maritime operations and coordinated exercises

Conduct of joint landing operations on Praslin Island

Objective and Significance

The exercise aimed to enhance interoperability and joint operational capabilities between India and Seychelles

Strengthened maritime security cooperation and defence engagement

Reinforced India’s role as a preferred security partner in the Indian Ocean Region

Strategic Importance

The visit aligns with India’s MAHASAGAR vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Region)

Demonstrates India’s commitment as a “First Responder” in the Indian Ocean Region

The exercise name “Lamitiye” means “friendship”, symbolizing strong bilateral ties

Additional Key Facts

INS Trikand: Commissioned in 2013; part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet

Exercise Lamitiye: Joint India–Seychelles military exercise conducted in Seychelles

Tri-services Exercise: Involves Army, Navy, and Air Force together

VBSS Operations: Important for maritime security, anti-piracy, and law enforcement

Seychelles Location: Strategic island nation in the Western Indian Ocean, important for sea lanes