The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Trikand has docked at the Port of Mombasa for a scheduled port call from April 7 to 10, 2026, as part of its ongoing operational deployment in the Western Indian Ocean.
The guided-missile frigate, operated by the Indian Navy, is in Kenya for an Operational Turnaround (OTR) that includes engagements with the Kenya Navy and routine logistical replenishment.
INS Trikand is a Talwar-class stealth frigate equipped for a range of missions, including anti-surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare.
The vessel is part of India’s broader naval deployment aimed at maintaining presence and conducting cooperative engagements with partner countries across key maritime regions under Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Region (MAHASAGAR).
“The visit underscores India’s commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation, enhancing interoperability, and fostering strong ties with partners in the Western Indian Ocean Region,” the statement read.
INS Trikand Engagements with the Kenya Navy
During the port call, personnel from INS Trikand are expected to participate in professional exchanges with counterparts from the Kenya Navy.
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Interactions during the engagement include discussions on maritime operations, training practices, and areas of cooperation between the two naval forces.
Activities during the stay may also include courtesy calls, technical discussions, and familiarization visits to enhance coordination between the two countries.
Kenya and India have maintained defense ties over the years, with cooperation extending to training, capacity building, and maritime security initiatives.
After the conclusion of the port visit, INS Trikand is scheduled to conduct a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with a Kenyan Navy ship.
PASSEX drills are short-duration naval exercises conducted when ships from different navies operate in proximity, focusing on communication, maneuvering, and tactical coordination at sea.
Such exercises are designed to enhance interoperability and ensure that naval units can operate together effectively during joint missions or coordinated responses.
The planned drill off the Kenyan coast will involve standard naval procedures, including formation sailing and communication exercises.
INS Trikand’s visit to Mombasa forms part of India’s ongoing maritime engagements in the region, with similar port calls and exercises conducted with other countries in the Western Indian Ocean during operational deployments.
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Regional Port Calls Across the South West Indian Ocean Region
Before arriving in Kenya, INS Trikand made port visits in Tanzania on April 6 and in Mozambique on March 29 as part of its coordinated deployment pattern in the South West Indian Ocean Region.
To enhance interoperability and maritime cooperation, the activities carried out include crew interactions, professional exchanges, naval diplomacy activities, friendly sports fixtures, and yoga.
The Indian Navy has in recent years increased its presence in the Western Indian Ocean through similar engagements, including joint exercises, port visits, and anti-piracy patrols.
These deployments are conducted under India’s broader maritime outreach framework, which focuses on collaboration with countries bordering the Indian Ocean.
