INS Trikand Concludes Seychelles Visit After Taking Part in First Tri-Services Exercise Lamitiye 2026

Indian Naval Ship Trikand, a stealth frigate of the Indian Navy, has concluded its port call at Port Victoria, Seychelles, departing on March 20, 2026, after a visit that combined military cooperation, diplomatic engagement, and logistical support. During the visit, the ship’s Commanding Officer, Captain Sachin Kulkarni, called on senior government officials and the High Commissioner of India to Seychelles, while the vessel also handed over critical spares and essential stores to the Seychelles government.

A major highlight of the visit was INS Trikand’s participation in the first tri-services edition of Exercise Lamitiye 2026, conducted jointly by personnel from the Indian Navy, Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF). This also marked the Indian Navy’s maiden participation in the exercise, giving the engagement added strategic significance. The harbour phase included Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) training onboard the ship, along with joint boarding drills.

The exercise then moved into its sea phase, where INS Trikand operated alongside SCGS Le Vigilant and carried out joint boarding operations at sea involving Indian Navy Marine Commandos and SDF Special Forces. The activities were followed by the landing of troops from the Indian Army and the Seychelles Defence Forces on Praslin Island, highlighting the widening scope of operational cooperation between the two countries. Senior Seychelles military leaders, including Maj Gen Michael Rosette, Chief of Defence Forces, and Brig Jean Attala, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, were also onboard INS Trikand during the sea phase to observe the exercise.

The exercise was aimed at improving interoperability and deepening maritime coordination between India and Seychelles. Its name, Lamitiye, which means “friendship” in Creole, reflects the longstanding ties between the two nations. The port call also fits into India’s broader MAHASAGAR vision — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Region — and underlines the Indian Navy’s role as a preferred security partner and first responder in the Indian Ocean Region

Source : PIB