The Indian Navy’s newest stealth frigate, INS Tamal, reached Souda Bay on August 19 while en route to India after being commissioned in Russia. The port call is viewed as a significant stride in advancing defence partnership and maritime cooperation between India and Greece.
Over the course of the visit, the warship will take part in a series of professional and cultural engagements. These include high-level interactions with senior Hellenic Navy officials, a familiarisation tour of the NATO Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Centre, and visits to NATO and Hellenic naval facilities. The programme will culminate with a passage exercise involving both the Indian and Greek navies.
As part of its schedule, the crew will honour fallen Greek citizens and Indian soldiers of the British Indian Army who fought in World War II. The visit also features cultural activities such as tours of Crete’s maritime museums and outreach with the local Indian community, aimed at nurturing closer people-to-people bonds.
#IndianNavy’s latest stealth frigate #INSTamal arrived at Naples, Italy on #13Aug 25 while on her return passage to India.
The ship participated in a #PASSEX with ITS Trieste, Landing Platform Dock of the @ItalianNavy prior entering harbour.
🇮🇳-🇮🇹 #BridgesofFriendship… pic.twitter.com/pPIGSQ5qn3— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) August 15, 2025
Naval cooperation between India and Greece has expanded in recent years through joint training, reciprocal port calls, passage exercises, and senior-level exchanges. Notably, the Hellenic Navy frigate Psara visited Mumbai from July 11-13 this year.
The call by INS Tamal underscores New Delhi’s intent to bolster its engagement with Athens, reaffirming a shared commitment to enhanced defence collaboration, maritime security, and long-term friendship between the two nations.
