INS Trishul wraps Souda Bay port call, conducts Passex with Greek Navy
Synopsis
INS Trishul's Souda Bay stop was more than a routine port call — it included a live Passex with the Hellenic Navy's HS Limnos, NATO-level logistics talks, and a diaspora cultural event, signalling India's growing intent to embed itself in European naval networks as part of a broader Mediterranean outreach strategy.
Key Takeaways
INS Trishul concluded its port call at Souda Bay, Greece on 6 November 2026 during her Mediterranean Sea deployment.
On departure, the ship conducted a Passex with HS Limnos (F451) , including seamanship drills, cross-deck landings, and communication exercises.
The Commanding Officer held talks with senior Hellenic Navy officials, the head of NMIOTC , and US NSA Souda Bay on operational logistics and cooperation.
India's Ambassador to Greece, Ravi Shankar , visited the ship and attended a cultural event alongside NATO and Hellenic Navy officers and Indian diaspora members.
INS Trishul has now proceeded to the next phase of her Mediterranean deployment.
Indian Naval Ship (INS) Trishul has concluded its port call at Souda Bay, Greece, as part of her ongoing deployment in the Mediterranean Sea, the Indian Navy announced on 6 November 2026. The visit deepened maritime ties between the Indian Navy and the Hellenic Navy through operational discussions, professional exchanges, and cultural engagements.
Passex and Seamanship Drills on Departure
Upon departing Souda Bay, INS Trishul undertook a Passage Exercise (Passex) with HS Limnos (F451) of the Hellenic Navy. The joint exercise included seamanship and manoeuvring drills, cross-deck landings, and communication exercises, according to the Indian Navy's post on X. Such exercises are a standard mechanism for partner navies to sharpen interoperability in real-time conditions.
High-Level Naval and NATO Interactions
During the port call, the Commanding Officer of INS Trishul called on senior functionaries of the Hellenic Navy, as well as the heads of the NATO Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Centre (NMIOTC) and US Naval Support Activity (NSA), Souda Bay. The discussions centred on operational logistics requirements, cooperation frameworks, and mutual support among partner navies. Officials noted that the talks helped identify avenues for facilitating operational support going forward.
Cross-Visits and Professional Exchanges
Professional engagements included cross-visits between Indian and Hellenic naval personnel. Hellenic Navy officers visited INS Trishul and were familiarised with the ship's layout and capabilities through an onboard tour. These interactions, according to the Indian Navy, gave personnel of both navies an opportunity to exchange insights into professional practices and operational experiences.
Diplomatic and Diaspora Engagement Onboard
India's Ambassador to Greece, Ravi Shankar, visited the ship and was briefed on the combat capabilities of INS Trishul. A cultural event hosted onboard was attended by the Ambassador, Major General N Dimitrakos, Commander of the NATO Missile Firing Installation, senior officers of the Hellenic and US Navy, and members of the Indian diaspora. The event served as a platform for interaction among diplomatic representatives, naval officers, and the Indian community in Greece.
Next Phase of Mediterranean Deployment
Following the successful conclusion of the Souda Bay visit, INS Trishul has proceeded to the next phase of her Mediterranean deployment, the Indian Navy confirmed. The ship's continued presence in the region reflects India's expanding maritime outreach and its intent to build robust naval partnerships across Europe and the broader Indo-Pacific corridor.
Point of View
But through persistent operational familiarity. Engaging NATO structures like NMIOTC while maintaining strategic autonomy is a tightrope India has walked with growing confidence. The inclusion of US NSA Souda Bay in the discussions is also notable: it signals that India is comfortable operating in NATO-adjacent spaces without formally aligning. As China deepens its own Mediterranean presence, India's Mediterranean deployments are increasingly about presence signalling, not just goodwill visits.
NationPress
6 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did INS Trishul do at Souda Bay, Greece?
INS Trishul conducted a port call at Souda Bay as part of her Mediterranean deployment, engaging in professional exchanges with the Hellenic Navy, operational discussions with NATO and US naval officials, and hosting a cultural event for the Indian diaspora. On departure, the ship carried out a Passex with HS Limnos, including seamanship drills and cross-deck landings.
What is a Passex exercise?
A Passex, or Passage Exercise, is a short tactical exercise conducted between naval vessels of different countries as one ship departs a port. It typically includes manoeuvring drills, communication exercises, and sometimes cross-deck helicopter landings, designed to build interoperability between partner navies.
Which NATO bodies did INS Trishul interact with during the visit?
The Commanding Officer of INS Trishul met the head of the NATO Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Centre (NMIOTC) and the head of US Naval Support Activity (NSA) at Souda Bay. Discussions focused on operational logistics requirements and avenues for cooperation between partner navies.
Where is INS Trishul headed after Souda Bay?
Following the conclusion of the Souda Bay port call, INS Trishul has proceeded to the next phase of her ongoing Mediterranean Sea deployment, according to the Indian Navy. The specific next destination has not been publicly disclosed.
Why is India's naval engagement with Greece significant?
Greece's Souda Bay is a strategically important NATO naval base in the Eastern Mediterranean. India's regular naval visits to such locations reflect its expanding maritime diplomacy, aimed at building interoperability with European and NATO-affiliated navies while maintaining its policy of strategic autonomy.
