New Delhi: In a significant step towards strengthening defence ties, the Indian Navy and the Hellenic Navy successfully concluded their first-ever bilateral maritime exercise in the Mediterranean Sea on September 18, 2025. The exercise symbolises a growing strategic convergence between India and Greece on maritime security and cooperative engagement.
The drills were conducted in two phases – a harbour phase from September 13 to 17 at Salamis Naval Base, and a sea phase on September 17 and 18. The Indian Navy was represented by the guided missile stealth frigate INS Trikand, while the Hellenic Navy fielded HS Themistokles, an Elli-class frigate.
During the harbour phase, personnel from both navies engaged in professional exchanges, cross-deck visits, and operational familiarisation activities. A cultural programme showcased India’s traditions in the presence of dignitaries including India’s Ambassador to Greece, Rudrendra Tandon, and Commodore Spyridon Mantis, Commander of Salamis Naval Base. The Indian crew also visited the historic Acropolis, highlighting people-to-people ties alongside defence cooperation.
The sea phase featured advanced tactical drills such as night Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations, joint anti-submarine warfare, replenishment-at-sea procedures, coordinated gun firing, and cross-deck helicopter operations. These exercises tested joint capabilities in high-pressure scenarios and enhanced interoperability between the two navies.
Defence analysts note that the successful conduct of this maiden exercise underscores India and Greece’s shared interest in safeguarding the global maritime commons, ensuring freedom of navigation, and fostering stability in increasingly contested waters. It also comes at a time when both nations are seeking to expand their defence diplomacy footprint in the wider Indo-Mediterranean region.
Following the exercise, INS Trikand proceeded with the next phase of her Mediterranean deployment, continuing India’s proactive naval engagement with partners across Europe and beyond.
