SALAMIS, Greece — The Indian and Hellenic navies have completed their first-ever bilateral maritime exercise in the Mediterranean Sea, marking a new milestone in growing defense cooperation between India and Greece.
The exercise, conducted in two phases, began with a harbor phase from Sept. 13–17 at Greece’s Salamis Naval Base, followed by a sea phase on Sept. 17–18, the Indian Navy said in a statement. India was represented by the guided missile stealth frigate INS Trikand, while the Hellenic Navy fielded units including the frigate HS Themistokles.
During the harbor phase, sailors from both navies took part in cross-deck visits, professional exchanges and a pre-sail conference aboard the Greek frigate. The crews also participated in a cultural event attended by India’s ambassador to Greece, Rudrendra Tandon, and senior Hellenic Navy officials, including Commodore Spyridon Mantis, commander of Salamis Naval Base. The gathering highlighted India’s cultural heritage and reinforced bonds between the two maritime forces.
The sea phase featured a series of complex joint maneuvers and tactical drills, including night visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) operations, anti-submarine warfare exercises, coordinated gun firing and cross-deck helicopter operations. The navies also practiced replenishment-at-sea procedures to enhance interoperability and operational readiness.
The exercise “reflects the growing convergence of India and Greece on maritime security and cooperative engagement,” the Indian Navy said, adding that both countries share common interests in maintaining safety, stability and freedom of navigation in international waters.
