Nairobi, April 10 (NationPress) The INS Trikand, an advanced guided missile frigate of the Indian Navy, departed from Mombasa, Kenya on Friday after a notably successful Operational Turnaround (OTR). This event involved professional interactions, community service initiatives, and a significant enhancement of maritime collaboration with the Kenyan Navy.

As reported by the Indian Assistant High Commission in Mombasa, the ship’s OTR was marked by a combination of wellness activities, engagement, and professional exchanges.

“A morning yoga session saw enthusiastic involvement from local community members and personnel from the Kenya Navy. The Commanding Officer of INS Trikand, along with the Defence Advisor at the Indian High Commission, met with Brig. MS Shemote, the Commander of the Kenya Navy Fleet, at Kenya Navy Base Mtongwe. Additionally, specialized officers visited the Kenya Navy Training College, sharing valuable insights on training programs and infrastructure advancements,” the Indian Assistant High Commission noted on X.

On Friday, INS Trikand's crew visited the Mji Wa Salama Children’s Home in Mombasa, where they distributed food supplies and engaged warmly with the children as part of their community outreach.

The ship also welcomed visitors, offering guided tours that showcased its operational capabilities, while a friendly volleyball match between the Indian Navy and Kenyan Navy further enhanced camaraderie.

Earlier on Thursday, Vice Admiral K. Swaminathan, Commander-in-Chief of India's Western Naval Command, and Adarsh Swaika, Indian High Commissioner to Kenya, co-hosted a reception on the deck of INS Trikand, reinforcing the deep maritime and cultural ties between India and Kenya.

Attendees included the Commander of the Kenya Navy, Major General Paul Otieno, Deputy Governors from Kilifi and Taita Taveta, esteemed representatives from the Kenyan navy, members of the diplomatic community, and prominent figures from the Indian diaspora.

This event served as a platform to celebrate mutual values of friendship, trust, and collaboration, while emphasizing the commitment of both nations to regional peace, stability, and security, thereby strengthening the India-Kenya partnership.

The INS Trikand, a key guided missile frigate of the Indian Navy, arrived in Mombasa on April 7 as part of its ongoing mission in the South West Indian Ocean region.

This port visit was aligned with India’s vision of MAHASAGAR – Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions – aimed at fortifying maritime cooperation and bilateral relations between India and Kenya.