**Executive Summary**
Indian Naval Ships Tarkash and Ikshak concluded a successful port call at Port Victoria, Seychelles, on 29 June 2026, coinciding with the country's National Day and Golden Jubilee celebrations. The visit featured a ceremonial parade attended by the Prime Minister of India, hydrographic showcases, and community welfare activities. This deployment underscores the Indian Navy's commitment to the "MAHASAGAR" vision for regional security and growth.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Ceremonial and Professional Engagements**
* INS Tarkash’s marching contingent and Naval Band participated in the National Day Parade on 28 June 2026.
* The event was attended by the Prime Minister of India as the Guest of Honour, signifying a close bilateral partnership.
* INS Ikshak hosted more than 300 visitors to demonstrate its hydrographic survey capabilities and contributions to regional cooperation.
* **Community Outreach and Welfare**
* The crew of INS Ikshak, in coordination with the High Commission of India, conducted a health camp at the English River Home.
* Essential supplies and first-aid kits were distributed to local residents to support community welfare.
* **Strategic Objectives**
* The visit reaffirms the "MAHASAGAR" (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision.
* The deployment focused on enhancing interoperability, maritime security, and capacity building between India and Seychelles.
**Impact Analysis**
**Indian Navy**
**Impact**
The deployment strengthens the Navy's role as a key maritime partner in the Indian Ocean Region and advances the strategic "MAHASAGAR" initiative.
**Action Required**
Continue maintaining operational focus on capacity building and interoperability with friendly maritime nations.
**Government and People of Seychelles**
**Impact**
The nation received ceremonial support for its Golden Jubilee and benefited from technical hydrographic showcases and community health outreach.
**Action Required**
Continue the long-standing defence and maritime partnership with India to enhance regional security.
**Local Seychelles Communities**
**Impact**
Residents of the English River Home received direct medical support and essential supplies.
**Action Required**
Utilize the provided first-aid kits and health resources distributed during the community outreach program.
Key Entities Referenced
MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions): The Government of India's strategic vision for enhancing maritime security and cooperation with nations in the Indian Ocean Region.
Indian Navy: The primary military branch responsible for the deployment, maritime security activities, and community outreach in Seychelles.
Seychelles: The partner nation and location of the port call, specifically Port Victoria, where Indian naval units participated in National Day celebrations.
INS Tarkash and INS Ikshak: The specific Indian Naval Ships that conducted the deployment to showcase hydrographic capabilities and strengthen bilateral defence ties.
Ministry of Defence
INDIAN NAVAL SHIPS TARKASH AND IKSHAK
CONCLUDE PORT CALL AT PORT VICTORIA,
SEYCHELLES
प्रव तथ: 01 JUL 2026 5:43PM by PIB Delhi
Indian Naval Ships Tarkash and Ikshak concluded their port call at Port Victoria, Seychelles, on 29 Jun
2026, marking the successful completion of a range of professional, ceremonial and community
engagement activities undertaken during Seychelles' National Day and Golden Jubilee celebrations.
During the visit, the marching contingent and Naval Band from INS Tarkash participated in the National
Day Parade held on 28 Jun 2026 in the presence of Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, who was the Guest of
Honour, reflecting the close and longstanding maritime partnership between India and Seychelles.
INS Ikshak hosted over 300 visitors, providing an opportunity to showcase the ship's hydrographic survey
capabilities and the Indian Navy's contribution towards hydrographic cooperation in the Indian Ocean
Region.
As part of the community outreach activities, the crew of INS Ikshak, in coordination with the High
Commission of India in Seychelles, organised a health camp at the English River Home and distributed
first-aid kits and essential supplies to the residents, reaffirming the shared commitment towards the
welfare of local communities.
The visit of INS Tarkash and INS Ikshak reaffirms the Indian Navy's commitment to strengthening
maritime cooperation with friendly maritime nations in the Indian Ocean Region, in consonance with the
Government of India's vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and
Growth Across Regions). The deployment underscores the Indian Navy's continued focus on enhancing
interoperability, capacity building and maritime security, while further consolidating the long-standing
friendship and defence partnership between India and Seychelles._____________________________________________________________
VM/SKY 125/26
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