Dutch frigate HNLMS De Ruyter docks in Kochi, signals deepening India-Netherlands maritime cooperation
New Delhi, May 6. The Royal Netherlands Navy frigate HNLMS De Ruyter (F804) arrived at Kochi on May 4 as part of a five-month Indo-Pacific deployment, marking a significant moment in growing maritime engagement between India and the Netherlands.
The warship, a De Zeven Provinciën-class air-defence frigate, entered Kochi Harbour escorted by Indian Navy Fast Interceptor Craft and was accorded a ceremonial welcome by a naval band.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence on May 6, the visit coincides with a high-level Dutch naval delegation’s tour of the Southern Naval Command (SNC) in Kochi. The delegation is led by Major General (Royal Marines) Rob De Wit, Deputy Commander of the Royal Netherlands Navy, and includes Marisa Gerards, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to India.
During their visit, the delegation called on Rear Admiral Prakash Gopalan, Chief of Staff, SNC. Discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in the maritime domain and exploring avenues to deepen engagement between the two navies.
The timing of the visit holds symbolic significance as May 4 is observed as National Remembrance Day in the Netherlands. Marking the occasion, Maj Gen De Wit and Ambassador Gerards laid wreaths at the SNC War Memorial in tribute to fallen soldiers.
The Dutch delegation is scheduled to visit several professional training establishments under the Southern Naval Command to observe India’s advanced training infrastructure and simulators. They will also tour Cochin Shipyard Limited to understand India’s shipbuilding capabilities and explore prospects for industrial collaboration. A series of professional and social interactions between personnel of both navies has also been planned.
Notably, Maj Gen De Wit had earlier attended the IONS Conclave of Chiefs during the multinational naval exercise MILAN 26 hosted by India at Visakhapatnam in February this year.
Before departing Kochi, HNLMS De Ruyter will conduct a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with an Indian naval ship, aimed at improving interoperability and operational synergy between the two maritime forces.
The port call by the Dutch frigate, alongside the senior naval delegation’s engagements, underscores the steady strengthening of India-Netherlands maritime ties in the Indo-Pacific region.
