The Indian Naval Ship INS Trikand, a Talwar-class guided-missile frigate, will make a goodwill visit to Limassol from 21 to 24 September 2025, in a step aimed at further strengthening India, Cyprus defence cooperation. The visit follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s trip to Cyprus on 15-16 June 2025 and the Joint Declaration on the Implementation of the Comprehensive Partnership signed on 16 June, which sets out a 2025-29 action plan focused on enhanced defence-industrial collaboration, joint maritime training and regular hosting of Indian naval vessels at Cypriot ports.
During the port call, INS Trikand will undertake a programme of professional and diplomatic engagements to deepen naval ties. The itinerary includes a courtesy call on the Commander of the Cyprus Navy, Commodore Minas Solomonides, and a reception on board hosted by India’s High Commissioner Manish together with the ship’s commanding officer, Captain Sachin Kulkarni. A community Yoga event is also planned. The ship will be open to the public on 23 September (10:00-17:00), offering Cypriot residents and visitors the chance to tour a front-line Indian Navy platform. On 24 September, INS Trikand will conduct a Passing Exercise (PASSEX) with the Cyprus Navy to practise basic manoeuvres and communications, reinforcing practical cooperation at sea.
“India and Cyprus are united by a commitment to democratic values, maritime security, and economic growth,” said the High Commissioner of India to Cyprus. “The arrival of INS Trikand, following Prime Minister Modi’s historic visit and the Joint Declaration, symbolises our enduring friendship and the exciting prospects for bilateral defence ties. We look forward to welcoming Captain Kulkarni and his crew, who embody the professionalism and excellence of the Indian Navy.”
INS Trikand was commissioned on 29 June 2013. At 4,035 tonnes (full load) and 124.8 metres in length, it carries a crew of around 180, including 18 officers. The frigate is equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles (range about 300 km, speed up to Mach 3), stealth technologies and a Kamov Ka-31 helicopter, enabling it to operate across anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare roles. Its service record includes humanitarian missions in the Indian Ocean and participation in multinational exercises such as Naseem Al Bahr with Oman (13-18 October 2018) and Exercise Bright Star 2025 in Egypt (27 August-11 September 2025), underscoring its dual role in maritime security and humanitarian assistance.
The Limassol port call is presented by both sides as a concrete follow-up to June’s roadmap, combining operational cooperation with public diplomacy and signalling the continued expansion of the India-Cyprus defence partnership.
