Limassol: Cyprus and India have reaffirmed their long-standing ties and the further strengthening of their cooperation on defence and security issues during an event on board the Indian Naval Ship (INS) ‘Trikand’, that has docked in Limassol. Minister of Transport, Communications and Works Alexis Vafeades, representing the President of Cyprus, welcomed the crew and emphasized the ongoing momentum in bilateral relations initiated by the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Cyprus last June. Vafeades assured that the INS Trikand would continue to receive the hospitality of Cypriot ports in its future voyages.
According to Cyprus News Agency, considerable progress is being made as government officials from Cyprus engage with India to fortify relations, acknowledging the High Commission of India’s significant role. Vafeades expressed confidence that Cyprus, despite its smaller size and population, can be a steadfast partner for India in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
High Commissioner of India Shri Manish highlighted the frigate’s visit as a milestone, underscoring the deeply rooted relations between both nations. He revealed that the governments of Cyprus and India have finalized a joint action plan for 2025-2029, focusing on cooperation in defence, including joint naval training and hosting Indian naval ships.
Chief of the National Guard, Lieutenant General George Tsitsikostas, hailed the frigate’s arrival as a strong symbol of friendship and commitment to bolstering cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean. He announced plans to host his Indian counterpart in Cyprus, marking another milestone in their relations and enhancing strategic cooperation between the armed forces.
Captain Sachin Kulkarni of the INS Trikand described Cyprus as a cultural bridge between East and West, noting shared cultural affinities and resilient spirits that unite the peoples of India and Cyprus.
The INS Trikand, a Talwar-class guided missile frigate equipped with advanced weaponry and technologies, docked in Limassol from 21-24 September 2025. Its visit follows the understanding reached during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s landmark visit to Cyprus in June 2025. Commissioned in 2013, INS Trikand has a distinguished service record in humanitarian missions and multinational exercises, underscoring its role in maritime security and assistance. Officials visiting the frigate included Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hatzimanoli, Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection Nikolas Ioannides, and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Theodora Konstantinidou, among others.