The Indian Navy’s INS Trishul has arrived at Valencia as part of its extended operational deployment in European and adjoining maritime regions. The ship reached the Spanish port on September 30 and is conducting a programme of professional engagements with the Spanish Navy, including cross-deck interactions, sporting events and cultural activities. These activities are intended to promote interoperability, professional exchange and closer relations between the two navies. The visit comes shortly after Trishul participated in Exercise Varuna, the major bilateral naval exercise between India and France. The frigate reached Toulon on September 22 for the exercise and took part in harbour-phase exchanges before participating in the maritime phase. Indian naval personnel visited French platforms including the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and frigates Forbin and La Fayette. Trishul also operated with the French nuclear-powered attack submarine Suffren, NH90 helicopters and Atlantique-2 maritime patrol aircraft. Exercise activities included anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare drills, live firing and helicopter landing operations. Senior-level discussions and cultural engagements further strengthened the relationship. Indian Navy representatives also paid respects at the Mazargues War Memorial in Marseille in memory of Indian soldiers who died during the World Wars. The Mediterranean deployment highlights India’s growing maritime outreach and its efforts to maintain a sustained naval presence far from home waters. The Valencia port call is expected to further strengthen cooperation with European partner navies and support India’s wider objective of contributing to maritime stability and a rules-based maritime environment.
