INS Tarkash Strengthens Maritime Ties During Seychelles Visit

During its stay, INS Tarkash opened its decks to visitors on 13 June, welcoming members of the Indian diaspora and local residents eager to learn more about the ship and the Indian Navy’s operations.

The Indian Navy's stealth frigate INS Tarkash has concluded its port visit to Seychelles, reinforcing the strong maritime partnership and longstanding friendship between the two countries through a series of professional, humanitarian and diplomatic engagements. The warship departed Port Victoria on 15 June 2026 after completing its scheduled visit, which formed part of India's broader efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and maritime security in the Indian Ocean.

Community Engagement Highlights Visit

During its stay, INS Tarkash opened its decks to visitors on 13 June, welcoming members of the Indian diaspora and local residents eager to learn more about the ship and the Indian Navy's operations. The open-ship event gave visitors an opportunity to interact with naval personnel, explore the vessel and gain insight into the capabilities and responsibilities of one of India's frontline warships.

The visit attracted strong interest from both the local community and people of Indian origin living in Seychelles, reflecting the close cultural and people-to-people connections shared by the two nations.

Humanitarian Outreach Supports Local Residents

The ship's crew also undertook humanitarian activities aimed at supporting members of the local community. INS Tarkash's medical team organised a health outreach programme for elderly residents, providing first-aid assistance, basic medical consultations and essential medicines. Food supplies were also distributed as part of the initiative.

The outreach programme demonstrated the Indian Navy's commitment to supporting communities across the region while strengthening goodwill and cooperation beyond traditional military engagements. Such activities have become an important part of India's maritime diplomacy, helping to build trust and deepen relationships with partner nations.

Diplomatic Engagement Reinforces Strategic Partnership

A cultural evening hosted onboard INS Tarkash brought together senior government officials, diplomats and distinguished guests to celebrate the strong ties between India and Seychelles. Among those in attendance was Seychelles Vice President Alix Sebastien Pillay, along with members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from the High Commission of India and other invited guests. The visit highlighted the growing cooperation between the two countries in areas such as maritime security, regional stability and capacity building.

Indian Navy officials said the deployment reaffirmed India's commitment to strengthening collaboration under the vision of MAHASAGAR — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. As both nations continue to work together on shared maritime interests, visits such as this serve as an important platform for enhancing cooperation, promoting regional security and maintaining stability across the Indian Ocean region.