**Summary:**
On August 16, 2025, the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Tamal, a stealth frigate, concluded a port call at Naples, Italy, following a visit from August 13-16, 2025. This visit aimed to strengthen bilateral relations between India and Italy, which were elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2023. Prior to arriving in Naples, INS Tamal participated in a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Italian Navy's Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD), ITS Trieste, encompassing communication exercises, maneuvers, flying operations, and personnel exchanges.
During the port call, INS Tamal engaged in activities focused on enhancing defense cooperation, including bilateral discussions between the Commanding Officer and Vice Admiral Pierpaolo Budri, Chief of Staff of the Logistics Command of the Italian Navy, and Ms. Laura Lieto, Deputy Mayor of Naples, regarding the India-Italy Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029. INS Tamal and the Indian Embassy in Rome jointly hosted a cultural program for Italian government officials, naval officers, the diplomatic corps, UN agency representatives, and Italian defense industry leaders. The Ambassador of India to Italy, H. E. Mrs. Vani Rao, interacted with the ship's crew and Italian naval officers onboard. A ceremonial parade was held onboard on August 15, 2025, to commemorate India's 79th Independence Day, and the crew participated in celebrations at the Indian Embassy in Rome.
The port call underscores India's commitment to its relationship with Italy and the ongoing effort to bolster defense cooperation. It facilitated the sharing of best practices between the two navies and identified opportunities for further joint engagements. Following its departure from Naples, INS Tamal will continue its return passage to India, with planned visits to other European and Asian ports to promote maritime diplomacy and strengthen bilateral ties.
Key Entities Referenced
Naples, Italy: Port city in Italy where INS Tamal made a port call.
Indian Navy: The naval branch of the Indian armed forces.
Italy: Country that has a Strategic Partnership with India.
ITS Trieste: Recently commissioned Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) of the Italian Navy.
Italian Navy: The naval force of Italy.
India-Italy Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029: A plan for initiatives discussed between India and Italy.
Embassy of India in Rome: Diplomatic mission of India in Rome, Italy.
INS Tamal: Latest stealth frigate of the Indian Navy.
Ministry of Defence
INS TAMAL CONCLUDES PORT CALL AT
NAPLES, ITALY
Posted On: 17 AUG 2025 1:22PM by PIB Delhi
INS Tamal, the latest stealth frigate of the Indian Navy, called at Naples, Italy, from 13-16 Aug 2025 during
her return passage to India. The visit underscored the strong bilateral relations between the two nations, which
were formally elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2023.
INS Tamal participated in a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with ITS Trieste, the recently
commissioned Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) of the Italian Navy, prior entering harbour at Naples. Joint
operations during the PASSEX included communication exercises, manoeuvres and flying operations and
exchange of sea riders, finally culminating in a steam past.
During the port call at Naples, the ship engaged in a range of activities focused on furthering defence
cooperation and collaboration between India and Italy. Bilateral discussions with senior military and local
officials, as well as professional exchanges, were the highlights of the visit. The Commanding Officer called
on Vice Admiral Pierpaolo Budri, Chief of Staff of the Logistics Command of the Italian Navy and Ms Laura
Lieto, Deputy Mayor of Naples. Both sides discussed various initiatives under the India-Italy Strategic
Action Plan 2025-2029.
INS Tamal and the Embassy of India in Rome, hosted a cultural program onboard for officials from the local
Government, the Italian Navy, and the Diplomatic Corps based at Rome, and representatives of UN agencies
based in Italy and Italian defence industry leaders. The Ambassador of India to the Republic of Italy, H. E
Mrs Vani Rao, also interacted with the ship’s crew and senior officers from the Italian Navy onboard
INS Tamal.
A ceremonial parade was conducted onboard on 15 Aug 2025 on the occasion of 79th Independence Day of
India. The ship’s crew also participated in the Independence Day celebrations at the Embassy of India in
Rome.
The port call by INS Tamal reflects the importance India attaches to its relations with Italy and the endeavour
to strengthen the growing defence cooperation between the two nations. It has also provided an opportunity
for both navies to share best practices and pursue further opportunities for joint engagement. Post her
departure from Naples on 16 Aug 2025, the ship will visit other European and Asian ports enroute to her
home base in India, furthering maritime diplomacy and strengthening bilateral ties across the spectrum.______________________________________________________________
VM/SKS 161/25
(Release ID: 2157270)