The Indian Navy and Hellenic Navy successfully completed their first-ever bilateral maritime exercise in the Mediterranean Sea on September 18, 2025, highlighting growing defence ties between the two nations.
The Indian Navy and Hellenic Navy have concluded their maiden bilateral maritime exercise, marking a significant step in strengthening defence cooperation between India and Greece. The exercise, conducted from September 13 to 18, 2025, was held in two phases — a harbour phase at Salamis Naval Base and a sea phase in the Mediterranean waters.
India was represented by the guided missile stealth frigate INS Trikand, while the Hellenic Navy participated with HS Themistokles, an Elli-class frigate.
Harbour Phase Activities
The harbour phase from September 13 to 17 focused on building operational familiarity and professional synergy. Key engagements included:
- Cross-deck visits by naval personnel
- Crew-level professional interactions
- A pre-sail conference onboard HS Themistokles
A cultural programme hosted on INS Trikand welcomed Indian Ambassador to Greece Rudrendra Tandon, Commodore Spyridon Mantis, Commander of Salamis Naval Base, senior Hellenic Navy officers, and their families. The event featured India’s traditions, further strengthening bonds between the two navies. The Indian crew also visited the historic Acropolis in Athens.
Sea Phase Operations
The sea phase on September 17–18 witnessed advanced tactical drills to improve interoperability. These included:
- Night Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations
- Replenishment-at-Sea (RAS) procedures
- Joint Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) drills
- Coordinated gun firing exercises
- Cross-deck helicopter operations
The exercises validated the high professional standards of both navies and their ability to operate together in challenging maritime environments.
The success of this first bilateral exercise underlined the growing convergence of India and Greece on maritime security. Both countries reaffirmed their shared commitment to freedom of navigation, maritime safety, and cooperative engagement in global waters.
Following the exercise, INS Trikand continued with the next leg of her deployment in the Mediterranean Sea.
Source: PIB
