INS Tarkash Completes Mombasa Visit, Conducts Maritime Exercise With Kenya Navy

Indian Navy warship INS Tarkash has concluded its port visit to Mombasa and departed Kenya after conducting a joint maritime exercise with the Kenya Navy, strengthening naval cooperation between the two countries in the western Indian Ocean.

The frontline guided-missile frigate conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with Kenya Navy Ship Jasiri off the coast of Mombasa during its departure on Friday, according to the Indian High Commission in Nairobi.

The exercise focused on improving coordination and interoperability between the two navies while reinforcing their shared commitment to maritime security in the region.

The port call also featured professional exchanges between Indian and Kenyan naval personnel. The discussions and training covered duties associated with the Officer of the Day and Officer of the Watch, force protection procedures, as well as electrical and engineering safety and maintenance practices.

Kenya Navy medical officers were also briefed on INS Tarkash's onboard telemedicine capabilities. The two sides held planning discussions ahead of the PASSEX, providing an opportunity to exchange operational knowledge and strengthen their ability to work together at sea.

The visit included a community engagement programme as well. Around 100 children and representatives from Sahjanand Special Children School in Mtwapa were welcomed aboard the Indian naval vessel. The ship was also opened to members of the public, adding a people-to-people dimension to the naval engagement.

Kenya Navy personnel participated in additional briefings aboard the frigate, while the commanding officer of INS Tarkash, Captain Rohit Mishra, called on Brigadier William Kiprotich, Commander of Kenya Navy Base Mtongwe.

A dinner hosted by the Kenya Navy for officers and sailors from INS Tarkash further marked the close relationship between the two maritime forces.

Earlier during the port visit, Indian High Commissioner to Kenya Adarsh Swaika and Captain Mishra co-hosted a reception aboard INS Tarkash. The event was attended by senior Kenya Navy officials, diplomatic representatives and members of the Indian community in Kenya.

The reception highlighted the longstanding maritime relationship between India and Kenya and the two countries' cooperation on regional peace, stability and maritime security.

The Mombasa visit forms part of India's wider maritime engagement with countries across the Indian Ocean region. It also reflects New Delhi's MAHASAGAR vision, which emphasises cooperation, security and shared growth among countries across the region.

The latest engagement provided the Indian and Kenyan navies with an opportunity to strengthen operational coordination while expanding broader maritime and people-to-people ties between the two countries.