Valencia: Indian Navy’s frontline guided-missile stealth frigate INS Trishul arrived at Valencia, Spain, on September 30, as part of its ongoing deployment across the Mediterranean, Atlantic and adjoining maritime regions, the Ministry of Defence said. The port call comes shortly after the warship participated in the 24th edition of Exercise Varuna with the French Navy at Toulon.
Follow Defence Watch on LinkedIN
During its stay in Valencia, INS Trishul will undertake professional interactions, cross-deck visits, sporting activities and cultural engagements with the Spanish Navy. The engagements are aimed at exchanging operational experience and strengthening mutual understanding and professional ties between the two navies.
Before reaching Spain, INS Trishul participated in Varuna after arriving at Toulon on September 22. The sea phase involved the frigate operating alongside French Navy vessels including FDA Forbin, FLF La Fayette and nuclear-powered attack submarine SNA Suffren, supported by NH90 helicopters and Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft. The drills covered anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, live firing and cross-deck helicopter landing operations.
The Toulon deployment also included cross-deck visits to French vessels Charles de Gaulle, Forbin and La Fayette, allowing Indian personnel to gain exposure to carrier operations, aviation facilities and naval practices. INS Trishul’s crew also paid tribute at the Mazargues War Memorial in Marseille to 205 Indian soldiers who died during the World Wars.
The movement from France to Spain highlights the Indian Navy’s sustained presence and engagement with European maritime partners beyond individual bilateral exercises. The ongoing deployment is aimed at maintaining operational readiness while expanding professional and maritime cooperation with partner navies across strategically important waters.
(Defence Watch– India’s Defence News centre that places the spotlight on Defence Manufacturing, Defence Technology, Strategy and Military affairs is on Twitter. Follow us here and stay updated.)