The Indian Navy’s stealth frigate INS Trikand arrived in Safaga, Egypt, on October 6, 2025, for a three-day port call that ended on October 8. This visit, part of a larger operational deployment in the Mediterranean, focused on boosting maritime ties between India and Egypt through meetings and shared activities.
Details of the Safaga Port Call
INS Trikand, a modern Talwar-class frigate known for its advanced stealth features, made the stop in Safaga as a key point in its ongoing mission. The ship has been active in the region since early September, engaging in exercises and visits to build international partnerships.
Crew members took part in professional exchanges during the visit. These included discussions on naval tactics and joint operations, aimed at improving coordination between the two navies.
The port call came right after the ship’s involvement in other Mediterranean activities, showing India’s growing naval presence in the area.
High-Level Meetings and Interactions
India’s Ambassador to Egypt, SK Reddy, visited the ship and spoke with the crew about their experiences and the importance of such deployments. This interaction highlighted the diplomatic side of the naval visit.
Captain Sachin Kulkarni, commanding officer of INS Trikand, met with Rear Admiral Ramy Ismail, commander of the Red Sea Naval Base. They talked about mutual interests like maritime security and potential future collaborations.
These meetings built on a history of warm relations between the two countries. Egypt has often served as a transit point for Indian military assets heading to Europe or the Atlantic.
Local Egyptian Navy officers also joined in informal events, fostering goodwill and understanding between the forces.
Part of a Wider Mediterranean Deployment
This Safaga visit fits into INS Trikand’s broader Mediterranean tour that started in September 2025. The ship earlier stopped in Alexandria for Exercise Bright Star 2025, a multinational drill hosted by Egypt under US Central Command.
Before that, the frigate visited Taranto in Italy and Limassol in Cyprus. In Italy, crew members shared best practices with the Italian Navy aboard ITS Etna.
The deployment aims to enhance India’s naval interoperability with partners in Europe and the Middle East. It includes professional talks, cross-deck visits, and exercises that test real-world combat skills.
Recent stops have shown strong results, with the ship praised for accurate performance in drills. This mission underscores India’s commitment to global maritime security amid rising regional tensions.
Here is a quick look at key stops in INS Trikand’s 2025 deployment:
- Alexandria, Egypt: Participated in Exercise Bright Star.
- Taranto, Italy: Focused on defense ties and professional exchanges.
- Limassol, Cyprus: Met with local officials and naval leaders.
- Safaga, Egypt: Emphasized bilateral cooperation.
Strengthening India-Egypt Defense Ties
India and Egypt share a long history of defense cooperation, with regular joint exercises and ship visits. In recent years, Egypt has become a vital hub for Indian Navy ships and Air Force planes during international operations.
This relationship has grown stronger in 2025, with multiple interactions. For example, earlier this year, INS Tabar visited Alexandria for goodwill activities and sports events with the Egyptian Navy.
Both nations benefit from these ties. India gains strategic access to the Red Sea and Suez Canal, while Egypt strengthens its partnerships in Asia.
Experts say such visits help in areas like anti-piracy efforts and disaster response training. They also open doors for technology sharing and joint patrols in shared waters.
The following table outlines recent Indian Navy visits to Egypt:
| Year | Ship | Location | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | INS Trikand | Safaga | Diplomatic meetings, crew interactions |
| 2025 | INS Trikand | Alexandria | Exercise Bright Star participation |
| 2024 | INS Tabar | Alexandria | Professional talks, sports fixtures |
| 2022 | INS Kochi | Safaga | Joint exercises, football match |
| 2022 | INS Tarkash | Alexandria | Cross-ship visits, social events |
Looking Ahead for Naval Cooperation
With global shipping routes facing new challenges, like tensions in the Red Sea, these visits could lead to more frequent joint operations. India plans to expand its naval reach, and Egypt remains a key ally in this effort.
Future deployments might include advanced training programs or combined patrols to ensure safe seas. This Safaga stop sets a positive tone for ongoing talks between the two governments.
As readers, share your thoughts on how such international naval ties impact global security. What do you think about India’s growing role in Mediterranean affairs? Drop a comment below or share this article to spread the word.
