Madrid, Oct 2026 : Indian Naval Ship Trishul’s port call at Valencia has highlighted the expanding defence and maritime partnership between India and Spain, with Indian Ambassador to Spain Jayant Khobragade visiting the frontline warship and meeting its Commanding Officer, Captain Charit Kapil.
The Embassy of India in Madrid said the visit formed part of the India-Spain Dual Year of 2026 and underscored the growing bilateral defence engagement. INS Trishul, a Talwar-class guided-missile stealth frigate commissioned in 2003, is equipped with advanced weapons, sensors and a multi-role helicopter.
The embassy said the warship has played a role in anti-piracy operations, protection of merchant vessels and wider maritime security missions. During its Spain port call, professional interactions and a joint Passage Exercise between the Indian Navy and Spain’s Armada Española contributed to strengthening interoperability and maritime cooperation.
The visit to Spain followed INS Trishul’s participation in the 24th edition of Exercise Varuna with the French Navy. The Indian warship recently completed the sea phase of the annual bilateral maritime exercise in the Mediterranean, conducting a range of complex naval drills alongside French vessels and aircraft.
According to the Ministry of Defence, INS Trishul sailed from Toulon on September 25 for the sea phase of Varuna. The exercise involved two French frigates, a nuclear-powered attack submarine, helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft.
The Indian Navy said the drills included anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, live firing and cross-deck helicopter landing exercises. These activities provided opportunities for both navies to improve operational coordination and interoperability while reinforcing the longstanding India-France maritime partnership.
During the sea phase, INS Trishul operated alongside French Navy units FDA Forbin, FLF La Fayette and nuclear attack submarine SNA Suffren. NH90 helicopters and Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft also participated in the exercise.
INS Trishul had arrived at Toulon on September 22, where it received a ceremonial water cannon salute from the French Navy.
The harbour phase of Exercise Varuna comprised professional, sporting and cultural engagements designed to strengthen maritime ties and deepen professional bonds between personnel of the two navies. Professional activities included cross-deck visits and exchanges of operational experiences, helping enhance mutual understanding and interoperability.
The ship’s successive engagements in France and Spain reflect India’s continued maritime outreach in Europe and its emphasis on strengthening operational cooperation with partner navies. The Valencia port call, in particular, provided an opportunity to build on India-Spain defence relations through professional exchanges and joint maritime activities.
