At Devonport (UK)

Towards bolstering the robust ties between the United Kingdom and India, a frontline warship of the Indian Navy, INS Trikand will make port calls at Devonport, Portsmouth and London between 05 to18 Sep 15. The visiting ship, as part of an overseas deployment (OSD), has entered the port of Devonport (UK) on 05 Sep 15 with an objective of taking part in the annual bilateral exercise between the Royal Navy and the Indian Navy, termed as KONKAN series of exercises. Whilst at London, the ship would represent India at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition, being held from 14 Sep to 18 Sep 15. The last port of call of the ship was Valencia (Spain) where she spent three days.

INS Trikand at Rock of Gibraltar

The KONKAN series began in 2004 and the previous exercise, KONKAN 2013, was conducted off Goa. KONKAN 2015 is the 10th edition and will be conducted from 05 – 11 Sep 15, hosted by RN, in two phases. Periodic conduct of this exercise has helped to build on past achievements to further advance professional as well as operational engagements between the two navies. The professional and cultural bonds developed through such interactions strengthens the established mechanisms of maritime cooperation between IN and RN while pursuing common goals of keeping the seas around us safe and secure.

Welcome to Plymouth

India and the United Kingdom have upgraded their bilateral relationship to that of a Strategic Partnership in September 2004. Since then, the two sides have had a number of high level bilateral visits and interactions resulting in a rapid growth in relations across a broad spectrum. Active defence cooperation at the Services level has been a hallmark of the growing ties between both the countries.

Meeting with RN Liaison Officers

INS Trikand, commanded by Captain Vinay Kalia, is a state-of-the-art warship of the Indian Navy equipped with a versatile range of weapons and sensors capable of addressing threats in all the three dimensions – air, surface and sub-surface. The visiting ship is part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet and is under the operational command of the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, with its Headquarters at Mumbai.

Final Meeting Onboard Trikand prior Exercise KONKAN 15

Exchange of Token of Memoir

Radm Clink (FOST) and Capt Vinay Kalia

HMS Iron Duke arriving onboard Trikand for final meeting prior Exercise KONKAN 15

Capt Vinay Kalia addressing pre-Sail Conference - KONKAN 15

Capt Vinay Kalia Being Greeted by Councillor Dr John Mahoney (Lord Mayor of Plymouth)

Exchanging Token of Memoir

Rear Admiral Clink (FOST) signing the visitor's book at Reception

Capt Vinay Kalia addressing the Guests at Reception

Leaving Plymouth Harbour for Exercise KONKAN 15

INS Trikand and HMS Iron Duke Leaving Plymouth Harbour for Exercise KONKAN 15

Exercise KONKAN 2015 - INS Trikand, HMS Iron Duke and HMS Waveruler

Exercise KONKAN 2015 - INS Trikand, HMS Iron Duke and HMS Waveruler

Ship's Boats Approaching for Boardex

Boardex by IN Marcos

Ship's Boats making approach for Boarding Exercise and Helo for Surveillance

INS Trikhand berthed at Devonport with FGS Augsburg ahead and HM

HMS Iron Duke connecting up with RFA Waveruler

Ship berthed alongside at Portsmouth

Ship berthed alongside at Portsmouth

Colours Ceremony soon after arrival

Exchanging of Mementos at the end of KONKAN 2015

INS Trikand at Spinnaker

Adm Sir George Zambellas,1st Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, Royal Navy arrives onboard

Philip Dunne MP, Minister of State for Defence Procurement arrives onboard

Nationl Anthem of UK and India being played

1st Sea Lord presenting his crest

NA presenting personal gift to 1st Sea Lord

High Commission presenting gift