INDIAN NAVAL SHIP TRIKAND CONCLUDES PORT CALL AT PORT VICTORIA, SEYCHELLES

**Executive Summary** The document reports the successful conclusion of Indian Naval Ship (INS) Trikand’s port call at Port Victoria, Seychelles, on 20 March 2026. This visit featured the first-ever tri-services edition of Exercise Lamitiye 2026, aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation and interoperability between the Indian Armed Forces and the Seychelles Defence Forces. Key outcomes included joint operational training, the delivery of essential supplies to Seychelles, and the reinforcement of India’s strategic "MAHASAGAR" vision. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Exercise Lamitiye 2026** * The exercise marked the maiden participation of the Indian Navy in a tri-services format alongside the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF). * The term "Lamitiye" translates to "friendship" in the Creole language, symbolizing historic bilateral ties. * **Operational Phases and Training** * **Harbour Phase:** Focused on Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) training and joint boarding drills conducted onboard INS Trikand. * **Sea Phase:** Involved joint exercises with the vessel SCGS *Le Vigilant*, including boarding operations by Indian Navy Marine Commandos and SDF Special Forces. * **Amphibious Operations:** The exercise concluded with the landing of Indian Army and SDF troops on Praslin Island. * **Logistics and Diplomacy** * Captain Sachin Kulkarni, Commanding Officer of INS Trikand, engaged with the High Commissioner of India and senior Seychelles Government officials. * The Indian Navy handed over critical spares and essential stores to the Government of Seychelles to support their requirements. * **Strategic Vision** * The engagement aligns with India’s "MAHASAGAR" initiative (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Region). * The mission reinforces India’s commitment as a "Preferred Security Partner" and "First Responder" in the Indian Ocean Region. **Impact Analysis** **Indian Armed Forces (Navy, Army, and Air Force)** **Impact** The exercise facilitated a high level of tri-services integration and provided an opportunity to test interoperability with a foreign partner in diverse scenarios, including VBSS and amphibious landings. **Action Required** Maintain the readiness of personnel and assets to fulfill the role of a "First Responder" and "Preferred Security Partner" in the Indian Ocean. **Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF)** **Impact** The SDF benefited from joint training with specialized Indian units, such as Marine Commandos, and received critical hardware support via the handover of spares and stores. **Action Required** Incorporate the joint boarding and landing tactics practiced during the exercise into standard operational procedures for regional maritime security. **Government of Seychelles** **Impact** Strengthened diplomatic and military ties with India through high-level meetings and received essential material support for government operations. **Action Required** Continue to collaborate with Indian authorities under the MAHASAGAR framework to ensure regional stability and growth.

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