INS Trishul’s Egypt Visit Highlights Growing Indian-Egyptian Naval Cooperation

The Indian Navy has further strengthened its maritime engagement with Egypt following the visit of guided missile frigate INS Trishul to Alexandria from September 14 to 17, 2026. The deployment brought Indian and Egyptian naval personnel together for operational and professional engagements, including a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) conducted before the Indian warship entered Alexandria Harbour.

INS Trishul carried out the PASSEX with Egyptian Navy ship ENS Bernees as part of the maritime engagement. The exercise included coordinated manoeuvring, communication drills and approaches for replenishment at sea. These activities allowed the two navies to operate in coordination and exchange practical experience related to maritime operations.

The exercise also provided an opportunity for Indian and Egyptian naval personnel to gain a better understanding of each other’s procedures. Regular interactions of this nature help build operational familiarity and improve interoperability between partner navies during maritime activities.

INS Trishul was escorted into Alexandria Harbour by Egyptian Naval Ship Al Qadeer. The arrival was followed by a series of engagements during the port visit. Ambassador of India to Egypt Suresh K Reddy visited the Indian warship and interacted with its crew, underlining the wider diplomatic and maritime engagement between India and Egypt.

The visit also carried an important historical dimension. The Commanding Officer and crew of INS Trishul paid their respects at the Chatby War Memorial in Alexandria. The memorial commemorates Indian personnel who lost their lives during the two World Wars, including soldiers whose names are associated with ships that were sunk in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The Alexandria port call provided further opportunities for professional interaction between the Indian and Egyptian navies. Discussions and engagements during the visit focused on strengthening mutual understanding and exploring avenues for greater maritime cooperation.

The Indian Navy and Egyptian Navy have maintained regular interactions through exercises, port visits and other professional engagements. The latest deployment of INS Trishul adds to these continuing maritime exchanges and provides another platform for both sides to develop operational familiarity.

The PASSEX conducted during the deployment is also significant from an interoperability perspective. Exercises involving communication, coordinated movement and other ship-handling activities allow participating navies to practise working together in a controlled operational environment.

INS Trishul’s Alexandria visit therefore combined operational training, professional interaction and commemorative activities, reflecting the broader nature of India-Egypt naval engagement. The deployment also underlines the Indian Navy’s continuing overseas presence and its efforts to maintain maritime partnerships with friendly countries.

The latest engagement between INS Trishul and the Egyptian Navy demonstrates the continuing interaction between the two maritime forces and contributes to the broader India-Egypt defence relationship.