India-Greece conclude first-ever bilateral naval exercise in Mediterranean

New Delhi, Sep 20: The maiden edition of the bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the Hellenic Navy concluded on September 18 in the Mediterranean Sea, marking a significant step in strengthening defence cooperation between India and Greece. The exercise was conducted in two phases — a harbour phase at Salamis Naval Base from September 13 to 17, and a sea phase on September 17–18. The Indian Navy was represented by guided-missile stealth frigate INS Trikand.

During the harbour phase, both navies engaged in cross-deck visits, professional exchanges, and cultural activities, including an onboard event attended by India’s Ambassador to Greece, Rudrendra Tandon, and senior Hellenic Navy officials.

The sea phase featured complex manoeuvres such as night VBSS (Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure) operations, anti-submarine warfare drills, coordinated gun firing, replenishment-at-sea, and cross-deck helicopter operations, enhancing interoperability and joint operational readiness. The successful conduct of the exercise highlights the growing convergence between India and Greece on maritime security and freedom of navigation.

Following its conclusion, INS Trikand continued with her deployment in the Mediterranean.