INS Trishul strengthens India-Greece naval cooperation during Souda Bay visit
By Aroonim Bhuyan
New Delhi, Nov 6: Indian Navy’s frontline warship INS Trishul has concluded its port call at Souda Bay in Greece, further strengthening maritime cooperation and operational engagement between the Indian and Hellenic navies during its ongoing deployment in the Mediterranean Sea.
The Indian Naval Ship completed its visit on November 3, following a series of professional interactions, operational discussions and cultural engagements involving naval personnel, diplomatic representatives and members of the Indian diaspora, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence on November 6.
During the visit, the Commanding Officer of INS Trishul held meetings with senior officials of the Hellenic Navy, as well as the heads of the NATO Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Centre (NMIOTC) and the US Naval Support Activity (NSA) at Souda Bay.
The discussions focused on operational logistics, cooperation and mutual support among partner navies, including opportunities to facilitate logistical assistance and operational support during deployments. The interactions also provided a platform for exchanging views on areas of common maritime interest and exploring avenues for closer naval cooperation.
As part of the professional engagements, personnel from the Indian and Hellenic navies undertook cross-visits to each other’s establishments and ships. Hellenic naval personnel visited INS Trishul and were familiarised with its operational capabilities and onboard facilities through a guided tour. The interactions enabled personnel from both sides to exchange professional experiences and gain insights into their respective naval practices.
The visit also had a diplomatic and cultural dimension, with India’s Ambassador to Greece, Ravi Shankar, visiting the Indian warship. He was briefed on INS Trishul’s combat capabilities and interacted with its crew.
A cultural programme was subsequently hosted onboard the ship, bringing together diplomatic representatives, naval officers and members of the Indian community in Greece. The event was attended by the Indian Ambassador, Major General N. Dimitrakos, Commander of the NATO Missile Firing Installation, senior officers of the Hellenic and US navies, and members of the Indian diaspora.
The programme provided an opportunity to strengthen people-to-people contacts and promote cultural ties alongside the growing professional relationship between the naval forces of the two countries.
A key operational highlight of the visit was a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) conducted by INS Trishul with the Hellenic Navy’s HS Limnos (F451) as the Indian warship departed Souda Bay.
The exercise involved a series of coordinated maritime manoeuvres, including ship-handling drills, replenishment approaches, cross-deck landing operations by INS Trishul’s integral helicopter and communication procedure drills. These activities provided an opportunity for the two navies to practise coordinated operations at sea, exchange operational expertise and familiarise themselves with each other’s procedures.
The cross-deck helicopter landing and other coordinated evolutions were particularly significant in demonstrating the ability of the two navies to undertake complex maritime activities while operating together.
INS Trishul’s port call at Souda Bay is part of India’s broader efforts to expand naval engagement with friendly countries and strengthen its maritime presence beyond the Indian Ocean Region. The Mediterranean deployment also provides opportunities to develop professional linkages, enhance operational familiarity and sustain engagement with partner navies in strategically important maritime regions.
The successful conclusion of the visit reaffirmed the commitment of the Indian and Hellenic navies to deepening bilateral maritime cooperation, improving interoperability and strengthening their longstanding defence relationship.
Following the completion of its engagements in Greece, INS Trishul has proceeded towards the next phase of its Mediterranean deployment.
