INS Trikand Deployment in the Mediterranean Sea: India’s Maritime Reach from the Indian Ocean to Europe
INS Trikand, an advanced stealth frigate of the Indian Navy, has recently undertaken a strategically significant deployment in the Mediterranean Sea. This move marks a deepening of India’s maritime outreach beyond the Indian Ocean and strengthens defence ties with Mediterranean countries such as Greece and Cyprus.
Detailed Day-by-Day Timeline of Mediterranean Movements
September 1: INS Trikand arrived at Alexandria, Egypt, joining Exercise Bright Star 2025, a major multilateral maritime drill hosted by Egypt.
September 1–10: The ship participated in the complex multilateral exercises alongside navies from several nations, enhancing interoperability and maritime security cooperation.
September 11: Port call completion at Alexandria.
September 13: Arrival at Salamis Bay, Greece, for the maiden bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the Hellenic Navy.
September 13–17: Harbour phase involving professional exchanges and cultural visits.
September 17–18: Sea phase featuring coordinated naval operations such as visit, board, search and seizure drills, replenishment at sea, and anti-submarine warfare.
September 18: Conclusion of the bilateral exercise and departure from Greece.
September 19: Conducted Passing Exercise (PASSEX) with the Hellenic Navy’s frigate HS ADRIAS in Eastern Mediterranean waters.
September 21: Arrival at Evangelos Florakis Naval Base, Limassol, Cyprus, for a port call.
September 21–24: Engaged in bilateral defence activities, cultural exchanges, and public interaction during the port call.
September 24 onward: Continued deployment in the Mediterranean, maintaining presence and readiness.
Route of INS Trikand to the Mediterranean Sea
INS Trikand reached the Mediterranean Sea by transiting through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, entering at Alexandria, Egypt. After a port call on the Red Sea coast at Safaga, the ship proceeded north to Alexandria by early September 2025. This route aligns with the Indian Navy’s strategic access point into the Mediterranean and avoids the longer passage via Gibraltar. The route allowed the ship to participate swiftly in multinational exercises and foster diplomatic naval ties in the region.
Regional Reactions to INS Trikand’s Mediterranean Deployment
Turkey’s Response
Turkey has expressed strong opposition to the deployment of INS Trikand near its maritime neighbourhood. Turkish officials and media perceive the Indian Navy’s presence as a geopolitical move aimed strategically at countering Turkey’s growing nexus with Pakistan. Reports indicate Ankara requested India to withdraw the ship from Mediterranean waters, framing it as a challenge to Turkish interests and a signal in the ongoing regional power balance.
Greece and Cyprus’ Perspective
By contrast, Greece and Cyprus have welcomed INS Trikand warmly. The bilateral naval exercise with Greece was the first of its kind and symbolised a historic step towards enhancing defence cooperation. Cyprus, following a recent high-level visit from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, regards the presence of INS Trikand as strengthening maritime security ties and cooperation underpinned by common democratic values. Both countries view the deployment as a strong message of regional stability and a counterbalance to Turkey’s assertiveness in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Strategic Significance and Outlook
INS Trikand’s deployment via the Red Sea route into the Mediterranean and its engagements reflect India’s intent to project naval power far beyond traditional areas. This deployment supports India’s strategic partnerships and interests in securing maritime trade routes and regional peace in a geopolitically sensitive theatre.
India’s Mediterranean presence signals a strategic message amid rising tensions involving Turkey and Pakistan, showcasing India’s ability to secure its maritime interests and collaborate with friendly navies in key global regions.
