Why in news?
The Indian Navy’s stealth frigate INS Tarkash concluded a port call to Victoria, Seychelles on 15 June 2026. During the visit the ship’s crew engaged in professional exchanges with the Seychelles Defence Forces, hosted open days for the public and organised community outreach programmes. The visit reaffirmed India’s commitment to maritime cooperation under its “MAHASAGAR” vision for the Indian Ocean region.
Background
INS Tarkash is a Talwar‑class guided‑missile frigate built at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia and commissioned into the Indian Navy in November 2012. It is the second of three frigates ordered under an Indo‑Russian agreement signed in 2006. Designed with stealth features, the ship carries BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, Shtil surface‑to‑air missiles, a 100‑millimetre naval gun, anti‑submarine rockets and torpedoes. It has participated in anti‑piracy patrols off the Horn of Africa, international naval exercises and humanitarian assistance missions.
Highlights of the Seychelles visit
- Professional interaction: Officers from INS Tarkash conducted training sessions and exchanged best practices with Seychellois sailors, focusing on maritime security and disaster response.
- Community outreach: The crew organised medical camps, provided basic healthcare and distributed medicines and essential supplies to local communities.
- Open day: The ship was opened to visitors on 13 June, giving students and members of the Indian diaspora a chance to learn about naval operations.
- Cultural evening: A cultural programme onboard showcased Indian music and dance, attended by Seychelles’ vice president and other dignitaries.
- Strategic significance: The visit strengthened ties between India and Seychelles, which share concerns over maritime security and blue‑economy cooperation.
Conclusion
Port calls by Indian naval vessels serve diplomatic, security and humanitarian purposes. INS Tarkash’s visit to Seychelles underscored India’s role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean and helped build goodwill through community outreach. Continued naval cooperation will benefit regional stability and economic development.