INS Tamal Strengthens India–Italy Naval Partnership

Context:

INS Tamal, the latest stealth frigate of the Indian Navy, concluded a port call at Naples, Italy highlighting India–Italy Strategic Partnership and bilateral defence cooperation.

INS Tamal – Indian Naval Asset

INS Tamal is the latest stealth frigate of the Indian Navy, designed for reduced radar signature.
Its deployment in European waters reflects India’s blue-water naval capabilities and maritime diplomacy role.

India–Italy Strategic Partnership

Elevated in 2023 to a Strategic Partnership.
A joint India–Italy Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029 has been launched to deepen cooperation in defence, technology, trade, and multilateral engagement.

Defence Cooperation

INS Tamal conducted PASSEX (Passage Exercise) with ITS Trieste, Italy’s recently commissioned Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD).
Exercises included communication drills, manoeuvres, flying operations, and sea rider exchange, followed by a ceremonial steam past.

Significance for India

Enhances India’s Indo-Pacific outreach and naval presence in Europe.
Reinforces India’s maritime diplomacy strategy of combining hard power (naval exercises) and soft power (cultural events).
Strengthens interoperability and best-practices sharing between Indian and European navies.

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