INS Teg Wraps Up Strategic Mauritius Visit, Strengthens Maritime Ties

During her stay, INS Teg conducted joint surveillance operations within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Mauritius, in close collaboration with the Mauritius National Coast Guard (NCG).

On 22 June 2025, INS Teg, a stealth guided missile frigate of the Indian Navy’s Western Naval Command, concluded her high-profile port call at Port Louis, Mauritius. The visit formed part of the ship’s larger operational deployment to the South West Indian Ocean Region (SWIOR) and served as a cornerstone event in deepening India’s naval and strategic engagement with the island nation. The deployment was marked by a vibrant mix of professional cooperation, cultural outreach, and capacity-building, furthering the Indian Navy’s mission of promoting regional stability and international maritime cooperation.

Joint Surveillance and Maritime Security Operations

During her stay, INS Teg conducted joint surveillance operations within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Mauritius, in close collaboration with the Mauritius National Coast Guard (NCG). This operation included the participation of both NCG vessels and aerial assets, symbolizing the growing synergy between the two maritime forces. The patrols primarily focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, which continues to be a persistent threat to regional maritime resources.

The exercise also reaffirmed the strategic alignment between India and Mauritius in upholding international maritime norms and ensuring a rules-based order in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). It showcased both nations’ determination to protect shared economic interests and maritime biodiversity, while strengthening surveillance capabilities against emerging non-traditional threats.

High-Level Diplomacy and Strategic Engagements

One of the highlights of the port call was the series of high-level diplomatic and military interactions led by the Commanding Officer of INS Teg, Captain Vikas Guleria. He paid courtesy visits to several senior dignitaries, including:

• Mr. Rampersad Sooroojebally, Commissioner of Police

• Mr. Suresh Seebaluck, Secretary to the Cabinet

• Mr. Anurag Srivastava, High Commissioner of India to Mauritius

• Mrs. Kan Oye Fong Weng Poorun, Secretary for Home Affairs

• Captain CG Binoop, Commander of the Mauritius Coast Guard (COMCG)

These engagements played a pivotal role in strengthening institutional relationships, enhancing strategic trust, and exploring avenues for expanded defense cooperation between the two nations.

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Capacity Building and Operational Support

As part of a broader capacity-building initiative, the crew of INS Teg conducted multiple technical training sessions for NCG personnel. Key areas of training included:

• Firefighting and damage control techniques

• Bridge and engine room watchkeeping procedures

• Electrical systems management

• Small arms handling and safety protocols

These sessions were complemented by live demonstrations, such as diving checks conducted post-sailing, offering hands-on exposure to real-world naval procedures.

A particularly commendable act of technical assistance came when a team from INS Teg responded to a request from the NCG and successfully helped repair and operationalize a diesel generator onboard CGS Valiant, thereby restoring the vessel’s key functions. This gesture of support was highly praised by Mauritian authorities and exemplified India’s readiness to provide practical maritime assistance.

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Cultural Exchange and Yoga for Unity

Demonstrating India’s soft power and cultural outreach, a joint celebration of the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025 was held on 21 June. Around 150 participants—including Indian and Mauritian officials, naval personnel, and dignitaries—joined in the session, promoting holistic wellness and unity through ancient Indian traditions. The event was attended by notable figures such as the Commissioner of Police and the Indian High Commissioner, reflecting the occasion’s diplomatic and symbolic importance.

Further enriching people-to-people ties, the crew of INS Teg participated in recreational events, such as:

• A trek to Signal Mountain, promoting physical fitness and camaraderie

• A friendly volleyball match between the ship’s crew and local personnel, building informal bonds and mutual respect

Strengthening Indo-Mauritian Maritime Diplomacy

The visit of INS Teg stands as a testament to India’s sustained efforts to enhance maritime diplomacy, regional security, and people-centric partnerships in the Indian Ocean Region. It reflected India’s proactive approach under the vision of SAGAR—Security and Growth for All in the Region—and reaffirmed the Indian Navy’s role as a net security provider in the Indo-Pacific.

By combining joint operational engagements with cultural and humanitarian outreach, the deployment highlighted the multi-dimensional nature of naval diplomacy and the enduring warmth in Indo-Mauritian relations. As INS Teg sails onward, the visit leaves behind strengthened partnerships, enhanced interoperability, and a shared commitment to a secure and inclusive maritime future.