Indian Navy’s INS Trikand wraps up Mombasa visit, boosts maritime ties with Kenya

Mombasa, April 12. INS Trikand, a frontline guided missile frigate of the Indian Navy, concluded a goodwill port call at Mombasa on April 10, marking a significant step in strengthening maritime cooperation between India and Kenya.

The visit coincided with the trip of Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, to Kenya. During a formal ceremony onboard the warship, the Vice Admiral handed over INSAS rifles and ammunition to Major General Paul Owuor Otieno, Commander of the Kenya Navy, underscoring deepening defence ties between the two countries.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence on April 12, a series of professional and cultural engagements were held during the ship’s stay in port, including training on the handling and maintenance of small arms and ammunition, Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) drills, cross-deck visits, community outreach activities, sports events, and yoga sessions aimed at fostering camaraderie between the two navies.

Captain Sachin Kulkarni, Commanding Officer of INS Trikand, also called on Brigadier Mohammed Shee Shemote, Commander of the Kenya Navy Fleet. The visit featured a cultural evening onboard the ship, reflecting the growing people-to-people connect alongside military cooperation.

Following the port call, INS Trikand sailed onward for further operational deployment. The engagement at Mombasa reflects India’s Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) and highlights efforts to enhance mutual trust, cooperation, and bilateral relations in the Indian Ocean region.