### **Summary of INS Trikand’s Port Call at Mombasa, Kenya**
**Overview**
On April 10, 2026, the Indian Navy’s guided missile frigate, INS Trikand, concluded a successful port call at Mombasa, Kenya. The visit was part of a broader diplomatic and professional engagement aimed at strengthening bilateral naval cooperation and regional security under India's **MAHASAGAR** vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
**Key Personnel and Handover Ceremony**
The port call coincided with an official visit by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C), Western Naval Command. During a formal ceremony held onboard the ship, INSAS rifles and ammunition were officially handed over to Major General Paul Owuor Otieno, Commander of the Kenya Navy. Additionally, Captain Sachin Kulkarni, Commanding Officer of INS Trikand, held a meeting with Brigadier Mohammed Shee Shemote, Commander of the Kenya Navy Fleet.
**Operational and Social Activities**
During the stay, various professional and community-building activities were conducted, including:
* **Professional Training:** Handling and maintenance of small arms and ammunition, and Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) drills.
* **Collaborative Engagements:** Cross-deck visits, sports fixtures, and joint yoga sessions.
* **Diplomatic/Cultural Events:** A cultural evening was hosted onboard the vessel to foster camaraderie.
* **Community Outreach:** Engagement in local community service.
**Current Status and Strategic Impact**
Following the conclusion of the port call, INS Trikand has proceeded with its scheduled operational deployment. The engagement serves to reinforce mutual cooperation and strengthen the long-standing maritime relationship between India and Kenya.
**Document Metadata**
* **Post Date:** April 12, 2026, 2:08 PM
* **Source:** PIB Delhi, Ministry of Defence
* **Release ID:** 2251251
* **Reference Code:** VM/SPS 70/26
* **Visitor Counter:** 521
Key Entities Referenced
MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions): India’s strategic maritime vision aimed at strengthening security, mutual cooperation, and bilateral growth within the Indian Ocean Region.
INS Trikand: A frontline guided missile frigate of the Indian Navy that conducted the port call and hosted the ceremonial handover of military equipment.
Kenya Navy: The primary foreign military department and recipient of Indian-manufactured INSAS rifles and ammunition during the bilateral engagement.
Mombasa, Kenya: The central location for the naval visit, joint military activities, and formal diplomatic ceremonies between India and Kenya.
Ministry of Defence
INS TRIKAND CONCLUDES PORT CALL AT
MOMBASA, KENYA
Posted On: 12 APR 2026 2:08PM by PIB Delhi
INS Trikand, a frontline guided missile frigate of the Indian Navy, concluded her port call at Mombasa,
Kenya, on 10 Apr 2026.
The port call coincided with the visit of VAdm Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief,
Western Naval Command, to Kenya. INSAS rifles and ammunition were formally handed over by
FOC-in-C, West to Maj Gen Paul Owuor Otieno, Commander of the Kenya Navy, during a formal
ceremony onboard the ship.
Activities conducted during the stay alongside include handling and maintenance of small arms and
ammunition, Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS), cross deck visits, community service, sports
fixtures, and yoga. Capt Sachin Kulkarni, Commanding Officer INS Trikand, called on Brig Mohammed
Shee Shemote, Commander of the Kenya Navy Fleet. A cultural evening was also held onboard the ship.
The ship has proceeded for further operational deployment. The port call at Mombasa reflects India’s
vision of MAHASAGAR - Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across
Regions, and will serve to further strengthen camaraderie, mutual cooperation, and bilateral relations._____________________________________________________________
VM/SPS 70/26
(Release ID: 2251251) Visitor Counter : 279
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