Indian Naval Ship Trikand (INS Trikand), a frontline guided missile frigate of the Indian Navy, arrived at Maputo in Mozambique on 26 March 2026 as part of her operational deployment to the South West Indian Ocean Region (SWIOR). The port call forms part of a scheduled deployment intended to strengthen maritime cooperation and bilateral relations between India and Mozambique. The visit follows routine naval protocols and reflects ongoing defence engagement in the region.

As part of India’s commitment to supporting regional partners in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), INS Trikand will hand over humanitarian assistance and disaster relief stores and undertake a range of professional and social engagements. Planned activities include community service projects, a medical camp, yoga sessions, friendly sports fixtures and training activities with Mozambique naval personnel. These initiatives are intended to enhance interoperability, build goodwill and address local humanitarian needs.

The commanding officer, Captain Sachin Kulkarni, is scheduled to call on Shri Robert Shetkintong, the High Commissioner of India to Mozambique, and meet senior functionaries of the Mozambique Navy to discuss areas of cooperation. The ship’s visit aligns with India’s Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions (MAHASAGAR) vision and is intended to deepen practical collaboration in maritime security and humanitarian assistance. The deployment underscores India’s emphasis on cooperative engagement and regional stability.

The port call reinforces bilateral ties and provides opportunities for professional exchanges and capacity building between the two navies while supporting local communities through targeted assistance. The Indian Navy described the visit as part of routine operations in the SWIOR and as a tangible expression of diplomatic and defence cooperation. The Press Information Bureau of the Ministry of Defence issued the release detailing the visit.