08 April,2026 02:13 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
The visit is part of its ongoing deployment in the South West Indian Ocean Region and aims to enhance cooperation between India and Kenya. Pic/Defence PRO
INS Trikand, a frontline warship of the Indian Navy, arrived at Mombasa on Tuesday, April 7, for joint engagements with Kenya, an official statement said.
The visit is part of its ongoing deployment in the South West Indian Ocean Region and aims to enhance cooperation between India and Kenya.
The port call coincides with the visit of Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, to Kenya.
His visit highlights the growing strategic and defence ties between the two nations.
During the stay, the ship's crew will take part in professional, cultural and social engagements with local authorities and the Kenya Defence Forces, the statement issued by Defence PRO said.
Essential stores brought from India will also be handed over as part of cooperation efforts.
The Commanding Officer of INS Trikand is scheduled to meet senior government officials in Kenya, further strengthening bilateral relations, it said.
After departing from Mombasa, INS Trikand will take part in a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with units of the Kenya Navy.
The exercise will help improve coordination, share best practices and enhance maritime interoperability between the two navies.
The visit is in line with India's MAHASAGAR vision - Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions - focused on promoting regional security and cooperation.
INS Trikand had last week arrived at Dar es Salaam on April 3, 2026, an official statement had earlier said.
The visit was part of its ongoing deployment in the South West Indian Ocean Region and aims to strengthen maritime cooperation between India and Tanzania, it had said.
During the port call, the crew was scheduled to take part in professional exchanges and joint training activities with the Tanzania Navy. These exercises are aimed at improving interoperability and enhancing coordination between the two naval forces, the statement had said.
A series of social and community engagements are also planned, including friendly sports matches and yoga sessions.
Last month, INS Trikand had successfully completed an engaging and productive port call. During the visit, Captain Sachin Kulkarni called on senior government officials of Seychelles, as well as the High Commissioner of India to the island nation.
The ship also handed over critical spares and essential stores to the Government of Seychelles as part of ongoing cooperation.
The port call, which began on March 16, concluded on March 20 and featured a range of operational and collaborative engagements between the two countries.
INS Trikand also participated in the first tri-services edition of Exercise Lamitiye 2026, alongside personnel from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF). This marked the maiden participation of the Indian Navy in the exercise.
