13 June,2026 11:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
During its deployment, INS Tarkash escorted Seychelles Coast Guard vessel PS Zoroaster. Pic/Defence PRO
Indian Naval Ship (INS) Tarkash, a stealth frigate of the Indian Navy, arrived at Port Victoria in Seychelles on 12 June 2026 as part of its ongoing operational deployment in the South West Indian Ocean Region.
The visit reflects the strong maritime partnership between India and Seychelles and highlights the growing cooperation between the two countries in the field of maritime security and defence.
During its deployment, INS Tarkash escorted Seychelles Coast Guard vessel PS Zoroaster from India to Seychelles after the ship completed a refit at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata.
The successful transit demonstrated close coordination and interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Seychelles Coast Guard in addressing shared maritime challenges in the Indian Ocean Region.
During the port call, Captain Rohit Mishra, Commanding Officer of INS Tarkash, is scheduled to meet senior officials of the Seychelles government and the Seychelles Defence Forces.
These interactions are expected to further enhance defence cooperation and strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations.
Apart from official meetings, the visit will include a range of cultural and social engagements aimed at fostering goodwill and strengthening people-to-people ties.
The Indian Navy will also hand over critical spares and essential stores to the Government of Seychelles as part of ongoing support and cooperation initiatives.
The port visit is aimed at deepening friendship, enhancing maritime collaboration and reinforcing the longstanding partnership between India and Seychelles.
Defence officials said the visit underscores India's commitment to regional maritime security and its role as a trusted partner in the Indian Ocean Region.
The Government of India has appointed Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth as the next Chief of the Army Staff (COAS). He will assume charge from the afternoon of June 30, 2026, following the retirement of General Upendra Dwivedi on the same day.
Lt Gen Seth is currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff and brings nearly four decades of military experience to the top post.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, Lt Gen Seth was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986.
Over the course of his career, he has served in a variety of operational, strategic and leadership roles, contributing to the Indian Army's combat readiness and long-term modernisation efforts.
