India’s Navy guided missile frigate INS Trishul visited the Egyptian port of Alexandria between 14 and 17 September 2026. The Ministry of Defence announced the visit, which included joint exercises with Egypt’s navy and ceremonial events honouring soldiers from both nations.
What happened during the visit
INS Trishul arrived at Alexandria Harbour with an escort provided by the Egyptian Naval Ship Al Qadeer. The ship’s commanding officer and crew visited the Chatby War Memorial, which holds 12 burials and lists the names of 19 Indian soldiers who fell during the two World Wars while serving in ships that sank in the Eastern Mediterranean.
India’s Ambassador to Egypt, Suresh K Reddy, came aboard the frigate and spoke with its crew about the strategic importance of Indian Navy operations in the region.
The centrepiece of the visit was a Passage Exercise, or PASSEX, conducted jointly with the Egyptian Navy Ship ENS Bernees. This involved sailors from both navies working together on coordinated manoeuvring drills, communication procedures, and practising methods of transferring supplies between ships at sea. The exercise allowed personnel from both navies to share their professional knowledge and improve their ability to work together in future operations.
What this means for you
The visit demonstrates India’s active naval presence in key international waters and its commitment to building military relationships with friendly nations. For India, such port calls and joint exercises with other navies help strengthen maritime security partnerships and allow Indian naval personnel to gain experience working with foreign counterparts. The exercise also signals India’s continued engagement in the Eastern Mediterranean region and underscores the importance of naval cooperation in maintaining stability across major shipping routes.